Electric Range Support Structure to Prevent Heater Bracket Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric range designs face challenges in preventing deflection of upper brackets that support heaters, which can lead to structural instability and require additional support structures, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The electric range incorporates a support system with a printed circuit board-mounted boss portion that integrates a mount and a boss to securely support upper brackets, enhancing rigidity and preventing deflection, while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing labor and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separate bracket support structure is added to prevent deflection, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the bracket support function into the existing upper plate structure by forming a support protrusion that extends downward from the upper plate. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate support structures while maintaining structural stability and preventing bracket deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the cooking surface, acts as a structural support element, and includes the support protrusion that prevents bracket deflection. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a separate bracket support structure is added to prevent deflection, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support protrusion is integrated into the upper plate as a single molded component, combining multiple functions into one part. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper plate is segmented to include a downward-extending support protrusion that specifically targets the bracket support function. This segmentation allows the support function to be built-in during molding without requiring additional manufacturing steps or assembly operations.
3Quantity of substance
If the upper bracket supports a heavy heater, then the heater support function is fulfilled, but the bracket undergoes deflection over time
Solution Approach 1:
The support protrusion is pre-formed as part of the upper plate structure to counteract the deflection force before it can cause damage. This preliminary anti-action prevents bracket deflection from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct it after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The support protrusion merges the upper plate with the bracket support function, creating a unified structural element that can bear the heater's weight without deflection. This integration distributes the load more effectively than a separate bracket alone could handle.
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 design effectively prevents upper bracket deflection, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces costs by integrating a robust support system within the electric range's structure, ensuring stability and efficiency in heater support.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heating electric range heats a metallic item to be heated by inducing eddy current in the item using a magnetic field generated around a coil through application of high-frequency power to the coil
Implementation Method 2
heats a metallic item to be heated by inducing eddy current in the item using a magnetic field generated around a coil
Implementation Method 3
A resistance heating electric range heats an item to be heated, for example, cookware, such as a pot or a frying pan, through radiation or conduction of heat generated by applying electric current to a metal resistance wire or a non-metallic heating element
Implementation Method 4
A magnetic field or heat generated by the heater has adverse effects on the electronic components. Accordingly, a bracket is disposed over the electronic components to block the magnetic field or heat
Data Source
AI summary
An electric range is provided that may include a case that defines an external appearance of the electric range; at least one heater that heats an object; at least one upper bracket that is disposed under the at least one heater to support the at least one heater; and a support disposed under the at least one upper bracket. The support may include a mount on which a printed circuit board is mounted, and a boss portion that supports the at least one upper bracket.