Ventilation system for induction cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop ventilation systems reduce available cooking space due to separate control element mounting and require additional cooling air inlets, which compromises the cooling of electronic components and overall appliance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system incorporating a trim structure, inner and outer ducts, and a fan to create a flow of cooling air that draws heat from electronic components and exhausts it through a peripheral gap, enhancing the cooling of electronic components and extending their lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control elements are mounted in a separate area of the frame, then the control electronics are protected from heat generated by heating elements, but the available cooking space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by routing cooling air through the depth of the chassis via ducts rather than requiring horizontal separation. The control elements can be positioned closer to the cooking surface while cooling air is directed through channels beneath and around the control housing, protecting electronics from heat without sacrificing cooking surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cooling air as an intermediary medium that flows through ducts and passages to create a thermal barrier between heating elements and control electronics. This air flow acts as a heat sink and protective medium, allowing closer positioning of control elements while maintaining thermal protection.
2Reliability
If additional cooling air inlet openings are provided, then the cooling of electronic components is enhanced, but the available cooking space is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cooling air inlet openings to serve dual purposes: they provide cooling air for electronic components and simultaneously function as part of the overall ventilation system for the cooktop. The same air inlets that cool electronics also contribute to removing heat from the cooking chamber, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cooling openings that would further reduce cooking space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function for electronics with the general ventilation function of the cooktop. By integrating the cooling air pathways into the existing ventilation structure and using the same air inlets for both electronic cooling and cooking chamber ventilation, the design avoids adding separate openings that would reduce available cooking space.
3Ease of manufacture
If a separate area for control elements is created, then mounting brackets and shielding are simplified, but the overall surface area of the cooktop is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control housing into distinct sections with dedicated cooling air inlets and ducts, allowing for simplified assembly and mounting. The control elements are housed in a separate compartment that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the main cooktop assembly, reducing the need for complex mounting brackets while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 system effectively directs cooling air to exhaust through a peripheral gap, improving the cooling of electronic components and maintaining the available cooking space by integrating ventilation into the cooktop design without additional inlets, thus enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A fan may be mounted within the chassis to establish a negative pressure to cause the air to flow through at least one of the inner and outer ducts
Implementation Method 2
a flow of cooling air may be drawn into the inner duct in order to draw heat from the electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
A countertop mounted cooking appliance includes a chassis upon which is arranged a cooktop. A peripheral side portion of the chassis includes at least one opening and a control box is mounted in the chassis for housing control elements and associated electronics. An inner duct extends over at least a portion of the control box, while an outer duct extends across the at least one opening along the peripheral side portion to the countertop. A fan is mounted within the chassis wherein, when the fan is activated, a cooling airflow is developed and directed through the inner duct, out of the chassis, and through the outer duct prior to being exhaust through a gap created between the cooktop and the countertop by a trim piece.