Drawer Microwave Oven Automatic Door Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer-type microwave ovens with manual door opening and closing mechanisms require users to find and press an 'ON/OFF' button, which is inconvenient and can lead to damage due to excessive pressure, and the transition to automatic modes is complex and costly, involving pulse receivers or specific electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A drawer-type microwave oven design incorporating a first and second microswitch, a locking engagement component, and a controller to monitor state changes, allowing for automatic door opening and closing without the need for pulse receivers or specific electric motors, facilitating user habits and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pushing structure with electric motor and computer board is used for door opening and closing, then automatic door operation is achieved, but the operation flexibility is reduced and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines manual operation capability with automatic operation capability into a single door opening and closing system. The pushing structure allows users to manually push the door while the electric motor can automatically complete the opening or closing action, merging both operation modes seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between manual and automatic operation modes based on user input. When the user pushes the door, the system detects the push signal and automatically activates the motor to complete the operation, making the system adaptable to different user needs.
2Extent of automation
If only electric motor drive is used for drawer movement, then automatic operation is achieved, but user habit compatibility is reduced and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to initiate door opening or closing by simply pushing the door, and the electric motor automatically completes the movement. This self-service mechanism adapts to natural user habits while maintaining automatic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer board detects when the user pushes the door and uses this feedback signal to activate the electric motor, creating a closed-loop system that responds to user actions and automatically completes the desired operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual pushing structure is used for door opening and closing, then operation simplicity is achieved, but the risk of damage increases due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor provides controlled assistance during door opening and closing operations, preventing excessive manual pressure from being applied to the door or its components. The motor acts as a cushioning element that shares the mechanical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor serves as an intermediary between the user's manual push and the door's movement, mediating the force application to prevent damage while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pulse receiver or specific electric motor with pulse detecting function is used to detect manual operation, then automatic mode switching is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computer board performs multiple functions: it controls the electric motor for automatic operation and also detects manual push signals to initiate automatic mode switching. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pulse receivers or specialized motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing computer board and control system serve dual purposes, detecting manual operations and controlling automatic movement without requiring additional specialized components. The system uses its existing infrastructure for multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer-type microwave oven includes: an oven body, defining an oven cavity therein, and provided with a first microswitch, a second microswitch and a locking engagement component thereon; a drawer, connected to the oven body, disposed in the oven cavity and between a closed position and an opened position in a push-pull way, provided with a door at an end of the drawer for driving the door to open or close the oven cavity, and provided with a locking component rested against the first microswitch removably and a limiting component rested against the second microswitch removably; a drawer driving device, connected to the drawer; and a controller configured to control the drawer driving device to drive the drawer to be pushed into or pulled out of the oven cavity by monitoring state changes of the first microswitch and the second microswitch.