Device and method for radio frequency drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency drying technologies face challenges in achieving uniform drying due to nonuniform distribution of the radio frequency field, which depends on the object's position and geometry, and also suffer from safety issues related to radio frequency leakage.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency drying device with a drying chamber containing N electrodes (N≥3) generates a radio frequency field. A processor selectively activates M electrodes (M<N) to create AC signals, while deactivating the remaining electrodes periodically. The electrodes are arranged symmetrically around a central axis, and AC signals are supplied to activated electrodes, forming an RF field inside the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all N electrodes are activated simultaneously to generate radio frequency field, then drying efficiency is improved, but radio frequency field distribution becomes nonuniform and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode activation into segments by activating only M electrodes (where M < N) at any given time, rather than all N electrodes simultaneously. This segmentation approach allows the radio frequency field to be generated in a controlled manner, improving distribution uniformity while maintaining drying efficiency. The controller selectively activates different groups of electrodes in sequence, ensuring that the radio frequency field is distributed more evenly throughout the drying chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of electrode groups, where different sets of M electrodes are activated in alternating time periods. The controller cycles through multiple groups of electrodes, activating one group for a predetermined time period, then deactivating it and activating the next group. This periodic action ensures continuous drying while maintaining uniform radio frequency field distribution and reducing safety risks associated with simultaneous full activation.
2Reliability
If M electrodes are activated at a time with M < N, then radio frequency field distribution uniformity is improved, but drying efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced instantaneous drying capacity of M electrodes by implementing rapid periodic cycling through multiple electrode groups. The controller switches between different groups of M electrodes in sequence, ensuring that the cumulative drying effect over time remains high while maintaining uniform field distribution. This periodic activation of multiple electrode groups offsets the lower instantaneous power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of electrode activation, where the controller adaptively manages which M electrodes are activated at any given time based on drying requirements. This dynamic switching between electrode groups allows the system to maintain optimal drying efficiency while ensuring uniform radio frequency field distribution, as the activation pattern can be adjusted in real-time based on feedback and process requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution achieves high uniformity and efficiency in the drying process by ensuring consistent radio frequency field distribution, reducing the impact of object position and geometry, and enhancing safety by minimizing radio frequency leakage.
Implementation Method 1
N electrodes to generate radio frequency fields
Implementation Method 2
generating a radio frequency field... achieves high uniformity and efficiency in the drying process
Implementation Method 3
drying process... consistent radio frequency field distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) drying device is provided. The RF drying device includes a drying chamber including a grounded body enclosing a plurality of N (N≥3) electrodes for generating radio frequency field, and a drum electrically insulated from the plurality of electrodes, and a processor configured to select and activate M (<N) electrodes among the plurality of N electrodes and deactivate one or more remaining (N−M) electrodes periodically and to to select M(<N) electrodes for being activated to generate AC signals and deactivate N−M electrodes for being inactivated not to generate AC signals in an active mode, and RF field is formed inside the drying chamber based on the generated AC signals.