Susceptor Characterization Through Induction Circuit Resonance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating systems face challenges in accurately determining the temperature and proximity of susceptor elements, which are crucial for efficient and controlled heating processes, particularly in devices like vaporizers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the temperature and proximity of a susceptor element using an induction heating circuit, which involves a radiating inductor element and a capacitor element, and a processor to analyze the self-resonant frequency (SRF) of the circuit to determine the susceptor's temperature and proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If induction heating systems use traditional temperature sensing methods, then temperature measurement is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate susceptor temperature and proximity detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical temperature sensors with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The system uses an induction heating circuit to generate an electromagnetic field and measures changes in the field's properties (frequency, phase, amplitude) to indirectly determine susceptor temperature and proximity, eliminating the need for direct physical contact sensors that suffer from precision limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the heating source and the susceptor. By measuring the interaction between the electromagnetic field and the susceptor (through SRF shifts and impedance changes), the system can infer temperature and proximity information without direct sensor-susceptor contact, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If induction heating systems increase heating power, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurate temperature determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the system continuously monitors electromagnetic field parameters (SRF, impedance, phase) that correlate with susceptor temperature and proximity. This real-time feedback information is used to adjust the heating power dynamically, enabling precise temperature control even at high heating powers by compensating for temperature changes based on the measured field interactions.
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
Enables precise temperature control and detection of susceptor elements, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of heating processes in devices such as vaporizers.
Implementation Method 1
heating the object based on heat generated in the object by eddy currents that flow in the object
Implementation Method 2
The eddy currents may flow through the electrically conductive object and cause heat to be generated in the electrically conductive object based on Joule heating
Implementation Method 3
The susceptor includes a material that has the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert the electromagnetic energy to heat
Implementation Method 4
a processor to analyze the self-resonant frequency (SRF) of the circuit to determine the susceptor's temperature and proximity
Data Source
AI summary
A vaporizer device including a system is provided, the system including: an inductor element; and a control device configured to: detect a magnetic field associated with the inductor element, and determine a characteristic of a susceptor element based on the magnetic field, such that, when determining the characteristic of the susceptor element, the control device is further configured to determine whether the susceptor element is near the inductor element.