Angled Inlet Filter Support for Oven RF Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microwave ovens are limited in cooking performance due to indiscriminate energy application and inability to brown food, and combination ovens with RF and convection heating require improved cooling and maintenance systems for solid-state RF components.
Innovation Solution
An oven design incorporating an RF heating system with solid-state electronic components and an air circulation system featuring angled inlet filters for efficient cooling and easy maintenance, allowing for controlled RF energy application and improved cooking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solid state electronic components are used for RF heating, then cooking control precision is improved, but heat generation and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: one pathway draws air from below the cooking chamber to cool RF components, while another pathway circulates air through the cooking chamber for food heating. This segmentation allows independent optimization of cooling efficiency and cooking performance without thermal interference between functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated cooling fan acts as an intermediary component that specifically directs air flow to cool RF components. This intermediary mechanism separates the cooling function from the cooking airflow system, enabling precise thermal management of solid state components while maintaining cooking chamber temperature control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filters are placed at oven inlet for air circulation, then air filtration is improved, but filter accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is positioned in a lower dimension space beneath the cooking chamber rather than at the traditional front or top inlet positions. This dimensional relocation allows filters to be accessed from the front or side of the oven without disassembling internal components, maintaining effective air filtration while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed as a self-service component that can be easily removed and cleaned by users without requiring technical expertise or special tools. The filters are positioned and configured to allow straightforward access, enabling end-users to perform routine maintenance themselves, thereby reducing service costs and improving operational reliability.
3Productivity
If angled inlet filters are used, then air flow efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet filters are positioned at asymmetric angles relative to the oven body, with each filter oriented to optimize air flow from its specific location. This asymmetric configuration maximizes air intake efficiency by aligning filter surfaces with natural air flow patterns, while the angular design itself becomes a simplified structural feature rather than a complex adjustment mechanism.
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
The oven achieves quick and uniform cooking with controlled RF energy and convection heating, maintaining internal cleanliness and facilitating easy maintenance, enhancing cooking performance and operator experience.
Implementation Method 1
an air circulation system configured to provide air for cooling the solid state electronic components
Implementation Method 2
an RF heating system configured to provide RF energy into the cooking chamber using solid state electronic components
Implementation Method 3
The inlet filter support structure supports at least a first side filter disposed below one of the sidewalls
Data Source
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AI summary
An air circulation system includes an inlet filter support structure, a first side filter and a second side filter. The air circulation system is for an oven that has a cooking chamber configured to receive a food product and a radio frequency (RF) heating system configured to provide RF energy into the cooking chamber using solid state electronic components. The air circulation system is configured to provide air for cooling the solid state electronic components. The inlet filter support structure enables cooling air for cooling the solid state electronic components to be drawn therein prior to circulation by a cooling fan. The first side filter is supported by the inlet filter support structure. The first side filter is disposed below one of the sidewalls and disposed at an angle relative to the one of the sidewalls. The second side filter is supported by the inlet filter support structure. The second side filter is disposed below an opposing one of the sidewalls and disposed at the angle relative to the opposing one of the sidewalls.