Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Methods and apparatus to provide asymmetrical magnetic fields, and induction heating using asymmetrical magnetic fields

Abstract:

An electromagnetic array includes a substrate defined by a plurality of regions. Each region includes a plurality of conductors arranged in a varying configuration such that, upon application of an electric current, each conductor of the plurality of conductors generates a magnetic field in a polarity that is other than a polarity of a corresponding magnetic field of at least one adjacent conductor. Each region includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface having a strong magnetic field relative to a weak magnetic field associated with the second surface in response to the electric current. A first region is adjacent to another region, and configured such that a polarity of the strong magnetic field associated with the first region is in a polarity other than a polarity of the strong magnetic field associated with the at least one other region.