Variable Frequency High-Frequency Heating Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high-frequency heating devices cannot effectively change the radiation distribution of high-frequency power in the thickness direction of a heating-target object, limiting control over the heating state.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency heating device with a variable frequency high-frequency power generation unit that sets a predetermined frequency relationship between the generated high-frequency power and the exciting frequency of the surface wave excitation body, allowing for controlled surface concentration and propagation of high-frequency power to achieve desired heating states in the thickness direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the frequency of high-frequency power is fixed at the exciting frequency of the surface wave excitation body, then stable surface wave propagation is achieved, but the radiation distribution in the thickness direction cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating state controlVSAvoidfrequency control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the frequency of the high-frequency power supplied to the surface wave excitation body. By changing the frequency parameter relative to the exciting frequency, the radiation distribution in the thickness direction is controlled, enabling different heating states (surface-concentrated or uniform) without modifying the physical structure of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the frequency is set equal to or lower than the exciting frequency, then surface-concentrated heating is achieved, but uniform heating through the thickness cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidheating state adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the frequency setting adjustable and variable. The system can dynamically switch between different frequency settings (equal to/lower than exciting frequency for surface heating, higher than exciting frequency for uniform heating) based on the desired heating state, providing operational flexibility and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frequency is set higher than the exciting frequency, then uniform heating through the thickness is achieved, but surface-concentrated heating cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating pattern controlVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes (frequency adjustment) to control the heating pattern. By changing the frequency parameter above or below the exciting frequency, the system can switch between surface-concentrated and uniform heating patterns, providing adaptability for different cooking requirements while maintaining heating efficiency through optimized frequency selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 control over the heating state of the heating-target object by adjusting the frequency relationship, allowing for localized or uniform heating as needed, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the heating process.

Implementation Method 1

a surface wave excitation body configured to propagate the high-frequency power with a surface wave to heat a heating-target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface wave propagation: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

The high-frequency power generation unit is a variable high-frequency oscillator configured to generate the high-frequency power at a frequency to be set, the frequency being set equal to or lower than exciting frequency of the surface wave excitation body, or being set higher than the exciting frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic oscillation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3481149B1High-frequency heating device
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3481149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3481149B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3481149B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

High-frequency power generation unit (120) configured to generate high-frequency power, surface wave excitation body (103) configured to propagate the high-frequency power with a surface wave to heat heating-target object (102), high-frequency power supply unit (110) configured to supply the high-frequency power to surface wave excitation body (103), and mounting stand (101) on which heating-target object (102) is mounted. In accordance with a desired degree of surface concentration of the high-frequency power around surface wave excitation body (103), high-frequency power generation unit (120) sets a magnitude relationship between a frequency of the high-frequency power to be supplied to surface wave excitation body (103) and an exciting frequency of surface wave excitation body (103) to heat heating-target object (102). High-frequency heating device (100) capable of changing a heating state in a thickness direction of heating-target object (102) is therefore provided.