Solid-State RF Heating Arrays for Hot Spot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microwave ovens using magnetrons for industrial applications suffer from undesirable heat development, uncontrollable processes, and the occurrence of hot spots during long operating times, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus utilizing solid-state RF-transistors in RF power amplifiers, with individually controlled radio frequency sources arranged in arrays, allows for precise control of wavelength, amplitude, and direction of radiation, and includes a control system to manage energy distribution based on real-time feedback from sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If magnetrons are used to generate microwave energy in industrial applications, then microwave radiation can be produced, but undesirable heat development and uncontrollable processes occur during long operating times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single magnetron system into multiple independent solid-state RF sources arranged in arrays. Each source can be controlled individually, allowing segmented power delivery that prevents localized overheating and enables better thermal management across the entire processing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of each solid-state RF source through individual power adjustment and phased array control. This allows real-time adaptation of energy distribution based on feedback sensors, enabling the system to respond to varying thermal conditions and maintain reliable operation during extended processing times.
2Productivity
If magnetrons are used for microwave treatment, then processing can be performed, but the process is not sufficiently controllable and hot spots occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by independently adjusting the power output and phase of each solid-state RF source in the array. This allows different regions of the processing chamber to receive tailored energy levels, ensuring uniform heating and preventing hot spots while maintaining high processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control through sensors that monitor temperature and energy distribution in real-time. The control system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the power delivery of individual RF sources, ensuring uniform energy distribution and preventing hot spots during the processing operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state RF sources are arranged in arrays with individual control, then wavelength, amplitude and direction of radiation can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the solid-state RF sources and control system to perform multiple functions: power delivery, phase control, and amplitude modulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each parameter, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability in radiation control.
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 approach enables controlled and efficient heating, cooking, drying, disinfection, and pasteurization of substances, particularly food products, by preventing uneven energy distribution and reducing energy consumption, while ensuring reliable operation and high yield.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency power amplifier is an electronic amplifier, that converts a low power radio frequency signal into a higher power signal. Typically, RF-power amplifiers drive the antenna of a transmitter. The antenna can be coupled to and/or located in a waveguide, wherein the antenna can radiate the microwaves into the waveguide which preferably is designed of reflective material and can guide the microwaves to a desired location
Implementation Method 2
The control system comprises one or more sensors, whose signal(s) is used to control one or more solid-state radio frequency source(s), preferably individually and/or related to each other. For instance, in an application pumping a mass through a tube, gradually heating of the mass can be achieved by controlling the electromagnetic fields by controlling the power level, frequency and/or phase versus time
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, in which a substance is preferably heated, cooked, dried, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized. The present invention further relates to a method to treat a substance with radio-frequency waves.