Microwaveable Hot Plate Venting to Prevent Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwaveable hot plates tend to swell and deform due to water molecule accumulation when exposed to microwave energy, leading to ineffective heat retention and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hot plate design featuring a gas-permeable membrane that prevents liquid entry, combined with a heat retaining body and insulating structure to manage heat conduction and stress, preventing deformation and enhancing heat retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If microwaveable hot plates are made from materials that retain heat upon microwave exposure, then heat retention capability is improved, but the hot plate tends to swell and deform due to water molecule accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials, specifically a gas-permeable membrane, to allow water vapor to escape from the hot plate structure during microwave heating. The membrane contains pores that permit vapor transmission while maintaining structural integrity, preventing the swelling and deformation that occurs when water accumulates in non-porous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible gas-permeable membrane as a thin film component that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction during heating cycles. This membrane acts as a pressure relief mechanism, allowing the structure to remain flexible and prevent permanent deformation while maintaining heat retention properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hot plate structure is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but the hot plate cannot accommodate thermal expansion and stress during microwave heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible gas-permeable membrane that provides controlled flexibility to the otherwise rigid hot plate structure. This membrane allows thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining overall structural stability, preventing stress buildup that would lead to deformation or failure during repeated heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hot plate structure into distinct functional zones: rigid heat-retaining body, flexible gas-permeable membrane, and stress-absorbing recesses. This segmentation allows different parts to perform their specific functions - maintaining shape where needed while accommodating expansion where required - thereby improving overall reliability.
3Shape
If the hot plate allows gas permeability to prevent swelling, then resistance to deformation is improved, but liquid may enter the cavity causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas-permeable membrane with specifically engineered pore sizes that allow gas molecules and water vapor to pass through while blocking larger liquid droplets. This selective permeability based on molecular size prevents liquid contamination while maintaining the gas exchange necessary to prevent swelling during microwave heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of water accumulation (which causes swelling) into a beneficial vapor escape mechanism. By providing a controlled pathway for water vapor to exit through the gas-permeable membrane, the system transforms the harmful accumulation effect into a beneficial pressure relief and drying function.
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
The solution effectively prevents swelling and deformation, allowing for extended heat retention and improved safety by controlling moisture absorption and stress distribution, ensuring the hot plate maintains heat for an extended period without deforming.
Implementation Method 1
The gas-permeable membrane permitting the passage of gas into and out of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
A gas-permeable membrane coupled to the channel. The gas-permeable membrane permitting the passage of gas into and out of the cavity
Implementation Method 3
A heat retaining body disposed within the cavity
Implementation Method 4
The lower surface further comprises a plurality of cells configured to insulate the hot plate from the external environment
Implementation Method 5
Microwaveable hot plates are typically made from materials that retain heat upon being exposed to microwave energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot plate (10) comprising, and more particularly to a hot plate (10) that is capable of retaining heat. The hot plate comprises an upper surface (100), a lower surface (500) coupled to the upper surface (100), and a cavity defined between the upper (100) and lower (500) surfaces. The hot plate (10) also comprises a heat retaining body (300) disposed within the said cavity, and a channel (512) disposed in the lower surface (500). The said channel (512) comprises an aperture (514). Also the hot plate (10) comprises a gas-permeable membrane (520) coupled to the channel (512), the gas-permeable membrane (520) permitting the passage of gas into and out of the cavity.