Segmented Electrode Layout for Uniform High-Frequency Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency heating apparatuses suffer from uneven heating due to variations in electric field strength between electrodes, causing inconsistent heating of target objects.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a flat first electrode, multiple flat second electrodes, a high-frequency power supply, a matching unit, a controller, and an electric field regulator that adjusts electric field strengths by impedance matching and switching between electrodes and ground, ensuring uniform electric field distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple two-electrode configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but uneven heating occurs due to variations in electric field strength
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom electrode is divided into multiple independent second electrodes (12a, 12b, 12c) arranged in a matrix pattern. Each second electrode can be independently connected to ground or high-frequency potential, allowing localized control of electric field strength across different regions of the heating chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the heating chamber are provided with different electric field strengths by selectively connecting specific second electrodes to ground or high-frequency potential. The electric field regulator enables independent adjustment of electric field intensity in each region based on the heating requirements of different areas of the target object.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple second electrodes are used to improve heating uniformity, then heating uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrodes serve multiple functions: they act as heating electrodes when connected to high-frequency potential, and as field-regulating elements when connected to ground. The same physical structure is used for both heating and electric field regulation purposes, reducing the need for additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection state of each second electrode is dynamically switchable between ground and high-frequency potential through switching units. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt the electric field distribution in real-time based on the heating requirements of different regions of the target object.
3Manufacturing precision
If electric field strength is uniformly distributed, then heating uniformity improves, but control flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric field regulator provides dynamic control by allowing independent switching of each second electrode between ground and high-frequency potential. This enables the system to transition between uniform electric field distribution (when all electrodes are identically connected) and non-uniform distribution (when electrodes are differentially connected), providing both heating uniformity and control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the electric field distribution by changing the connection state parameter of each second electrode (ground or high-frequency potential). By varying this binary parameter across different electrodes, the system can achieve different electric field strength patterns to match different heating requirements while maintaining the ability to produce uniform heating when needed.
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 configuration reduces uneven heating by evenly distributing the electric field, resulting in more uniform power absorption and heating across the target object.
Implementation Method 1
a high frequency heating apparatus for dielectrically heating a heating target object placed between two opposing flat electrodes by applying a high-frequency voltage between the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The matching unit is placed between the first electrode and the high-frequency power supply, and is impedance-matched with the high-frequency power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A high frequency heating apparatus (1A) includes the following components: a first electrode (11) that is flat; a plurality of flat second electrodes (12) that are flat; a high-frequency power supply (20); a matching unit (30); a controller (40); and an electric field regulator (50). The second electrodes (12) are placed opposite to the first electrode (11). The high-frequency power supply (20) applies a high-frequency voltage to the first electrode (11). The matching unit (30) is placed between the first electrode (11) and the high-frequency power supply (20), and is impedance-matched with the high-frequency power supply (20). The controller (40) controls the high-frequency power supply (20). The electric field regulator (50) individually adjusts the electric field strengths in a plurality of regions located between first electrode (11) and the second electrodes (12). This aspect can reduce uneven heating.