Cooktop Frame Ventilation for Cooling Control Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for cooktops are unsightly, reduce usable surface area, and can trap food or liquids, while struggling to maintain cool operating temperatures for control electronics and heating elements due to increased power demands and compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system integrated into a cooktop that includes air inlets and outlets, an air mover, and a deflector to direct airflow over control circuits and heating elements, maintaining cool temperatures without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If inlet holes are provided in the cooktop surface for ventilation, then cooling of control electronics is improved, but the usable surface area is reduced and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is extracted from the cooktop surface and relocated to the periphery of the frame. This allows the cooktop surface to remain intact and fully usable while still providing the necessary airflow path for cooling the control electronics through the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system transitions from a two-dimensional surface opening to a three-dimensional airflow path through the frame. Air enters through peripheral inlets, flows through channels in the frame structure, and exits through outlets on the opposite side, creating a volumetric cooling path that doesn't compromise the cooktop surface.
2Temperature
If inlet holes are provided in the cooktop surface for ventilation, then cooling of control electronics is improved, but the aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is extracted from the cooktop surface and relocated to the periphery of the frame. This allows the cooktop surface to remain intact and fully usable while still providing the necessary airflow path for cooling the control electronics through the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame periphery is given special functional quality to serve as the ventilation interface. The frame structure is designed with integrated air channels and outlets that are aesthetically integrated into the overall appliance design, separating the ventilation function from the cooktop surface.
3Temperature
If ventilation holes are provided in the cooktop surface, then cooling airflow is improved, but food or liquids can be trapped within the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is extracted from the cooktop surface and relocated to the periphery of the frame. This allows the cooktop surface to remain intact and fully usable while still providing the necessary airflow path for cooling the control electronics through the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal heating element enclosure. The peripheral air inlets and frame-integrated channels provide a controlled airflow path that cools the heating elements without creating direct openings in the cooktop surface where food could become trapped.
4Volume of moving object
If compact design is used to reduce appliance size, then space utilization is improved, but cooling efficiency of control electronics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system transitions from a two-dimensional surface opening to a three-dimensional airflow path through the frame. Air enters through peripheral inlets, flows through channels in the frame structure, and exits through outlets on the opposite side, creating a volumetric cooling path that doesn't compromise the cooktop surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses forced convection airflow through the frame structure to efficiently remove heat from compactly arranged control electronics. The air mover creates controlled air circulation through designated channels, providing effective cooling in the limited space of a compact appliance design.
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
Effectively cools control electronics and heating elements while maintaining a flush and aesthetically pleasing design, preventing spillage and ensuring efficient airflow for both intake and exhaust.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation system that cools the circuitry used by the control elements of a cooking appliance
Implementation Method 2
Operation of the air mover of the cooking appliance draws in air through the air inlet and over the one or more control circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation system for cooling a cooking appliance that can be placed within a kitchen countertop is described. The cooking appliance includes one or more air inlets within the sides of the cooktop, and an air mover that draws air in through the air inlets and over control circuits provided within the frame of the cooking appliance.