Cooking appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking apparatuses face safety risks due to internal fires spreading to the outside through the control unit, which lacks effective flame-blocking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus design featuring a control unit with a bracket panel and fixing rib structure that prevents external exposure of internal flames, utilizing a resin case and steel bracket panel with a protrusion and cutout hole configuration to block flames and prevent fire spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control unit with open rear side is used to communicate with main body, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to flame spread risk
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is divided into two separate panels: a front case panel providing accessibility and a rear bracket panel providing flame blocking. This segmentation allows each panel to fulfill its specific function - the front case maintains ease of operation while the rear bracket prevents flame spread through its blocking structure with protrusions and cutout holes positioned away from the electrical equipment room.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket panel is designed with non-uniform structure featuring specific protrusions and cutout holes positioned strategically. The blocking portion with inclined configuration provides localized flame protection where most needed, while maintaining necessary openings for functionality. This local quality optimization ensures flame blocking capability is concentrated at critical areas without compromising overall control unit operation.
2Reliability
If bracket panel is added to block flames, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame blocking function is merged with the existing control unit structure by integrating the bracket panel as part of the control unit assembly. The bracket panel with its blocking portions and cutout holes is positioned within the control unit to simultaneously provide structural support and flame protection, eliminating the need for separate flame blocking components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the control unit, acts as a flame blocking barrier through its inclined blocking portions, and maintains necessary openings for ventilation and operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving fire prevention capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If cutout hole is positioned for communication, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to flame exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The cutout hole is positioned asymmetrically within the bracket panel structure, specifically located away from the electrical equipment room and rear opening. This asymmetric positioning allows the cutout hole to provide necessary communication and ventilation functionality while being strategically placed in a location less susceptible to direct flame exposure, thus balancing operational needs with safety considerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking portions are configured with inclined surfaces that extend in multiple dimensions, creating a three-dimensional barrier structure. This dimensional approach allows the cutout hole to remain accessible for communication purposes while the inclined blocking portions redirect and block flames approaching from different angles, effectively protecting the cutout hole without compromising its functional accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a main body, and a control unit provided in front of the main body, wherein the control unit includes a case mounted on a front side of the main body and having an open rear side to communicate with an inside of the main body, a bracket panel accommodated in a rear side of an inside of the case, a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the case toward the bracket panel, and a fixing rib formed on a surface of the bracket panel to allow the protrusion of the case to be inserted and extending inward from an inner surface of the bracket panel to cover a rear side of the protrusion.