Dual Over-the-Range Microwave Cabinet Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-range (OTR) microwave systems often require additional space for a second microwave, which can occupy valuable storage space in household kitchens.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual over-the-range microwave system within a single cabinet, utilizing a cabinet with dual exhaust vent openings and a fan assembly that operates in both cooling and exhaust flow states to manage airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second built-in microwave appliance is installed to provide additional microwave functionality, then the benefit of having a second microwave is achieved, but additional space is occupied which reduces storage space availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate microwave oven enclosures into a single integrated appliance unit that mounts in one overhead space. The first and second microwave oven enclosures are positioned side-by-side within the same cabinet structure, allowing both microwaves to share common mounting infrastructure, ventilation systems, and control interfaces, thereby providing dual microwave functionality without requiring two separate installation locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (where microwaves would be mounted one above another) to a horizontal side-by-side arrangement within the same overhead space. This dimensional reconfiguration allows both microwaves to occupy the same vertical footprint while utilizing the horizontal space efficiently, maximizing storage space preservation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single over-the-range microwave is installed with exhaust system, then ventilation and cooling functions are provided, but the cabinet structure and airflow management become more complex when accommodating dual microwaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the airflow management system into separate dedicated pathways for each microwave oven. The first microwave oven enclosure has its own intake and exhaust vents, and the second microwave oven enclosure has its own intake and exhaust vents. This segmentation allows each microwave to have independent airflow control, simplifying the overall system design by avoiding complex shared airflow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet structure is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate both microwave enclosures using the same space-saving design. The cabinet includes common mounting rails, shared control interface, and integrated ventilation system that serves both microwaves, reducing overall complexity compared to separate installations.
3Temperature
If cooling air is discharged through exhaust vent openings into the room, then cooling of electronic components is achieved, but temperature and humidity in the room increase and cooking odors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful exhaust air containing cooking odors and moisture from the cooling airflow path. Separate exhaust vents are provided for each microwave oven enclosure, allowing the exhaust air to be discharged independently from the cooling air intake. This separation ensures that the cooling function is not compromised by the presence of cooking odors and moisture in the exhaust stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful exhaust air (containing cooking odors and moisture) into a beneficial feature by directing it through dedicated exhaust pathways that prevent it from re-entering the cooling system. The exhaust air is channelled outward through the cabinet structure, transforming what would be a contaminant into a controlled discharge that maintains cooling efficiency while managing odors and humidity.
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
This configuration allows for the installation of two microwave ovens in the same space as a single OTR microwave, without increasing the footprint, thereby saving storage space while providing the benefits of a second microwave appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A fan assembly comprises a first intake fan fluidly coupled to the first cavity intake vent and an exhaust fan fluidly coupled to the first exhaust duct, wherein the fan assembly is operable in a first cooling flow state where the first intake fan operates to discharge a first flow of cooling air through the first exhaust vent opening
Data Source
AI summary
An over-the-range dual microwave oven includes a cabinet having a first exhaust vent opening, a second exhaust vent opening, and a cabinet exhaust vent. First and second microwave oven enclosures are laterally spaced and supported in the cabinet, each enclosure having a cavity intake vent and a cavity exhaust vent. A fan assembly is operable to discharge a flow of cooling air through one or both of the exhaust vent openings and operable to discharge one or both of the cooling flows with a flow of exhaust air through the cabinet exhaust vent.