Antenna device for a wireless probe system of an oven appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oven appliances with wireless probe systems face challenges such as antenna obstruction, increased part count and cost, and aesthetic concerns due to visible antennas, which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions that hide antennas behind covers, as these solutions do not reduce part count or cost and can obstruct the signal path.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device integrated into the oven cavity that functions as both an antenna for the probe system and an air temperature sensing device, featuring a conducting outer sheath with a temperature sensor, a ground cylinder, and a dielectric sleeve for electrical isolation, allowing for reduced part count and cost while maintaining a strong signal path and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is placed within the extremities of the cooking chamber to maintain signal strength, then the signal path between the wireless temperature probe and the antenna is improved, but the antenna obstructs the cooking space and is visible to consumers during access of the cooking chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna with the convection fan assembly, integrating the antenna within the fan cover structure. This merging allows the antenna to be positioned in the extremity of the cooking chamber for optimal signal strength while being hidden behind the fan cover, thus eliminating the obstruction and visibility problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan cover serves as an intermediary structure that houses the antenna. By placing the antenna within the fan cover rather than having it extend freely into the cooking chamber, the signal path is maintained while the fan cover acts as a shield that hides the antenna from view and reduces its spatial obstruction.
2Shape
If the antenna is placed behind a light cover or convection fan cover to remove it from view, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the signal path is obstructed and part count is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the antenna behind a cover as a separate component, the patent merges the antenna directly into the fan cover structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional mounting hardware and reduces part count while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of hiding the antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan cover is given multiple functions: it serves as the aesthetic cover that hides the antenna, provides structural housing for the antenna, and maintains the signal path by positioning the antenna at the extremity of the cooking chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna mounting structures.
3Reliability
If the antenna is extended into the cooking chamber to maintain signal path, then the signal strength is improved, but tooling modifications for antenna mounting are required and part count is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is merged with the fan cover assembly, which is an existing component in the oven. This integration allows the antenna to be manufactured as part of the fan cover assembly using existing tooling, eliminating the need for separate antenna mounting modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan cover assembly is designed to serve multiple purposes: it provides the aesthetic cover, houses the antenna, and positions it for optimal signal strength. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated antenna mounting structures and reduces overall part count.
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 integrated antenna device reduces the number of objects within the oven cavity, minimizes tooling modifications, and enhances the appearance by combining antenna and temperature sensing functions into a single device, while maintaining effective communication between the wireless probe and controller.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna that sends signals to and receives signals from the wireless temperature probe
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric sleeve disposed between the outer sheath and the ground cylinder, wherein the outer sheath is electrically isolated from the ground cylinder by the dielectric sleeve
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature within the cooking chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An oven appliance is provided that includes an antenna device for a wireless probe system. In one exemplary aspect, the antenna device includes features that allow the antenna device to function as an antenna for the wireless probe system as well as an oven cavity air temperature sensing device.