Induction Hob Airflow Deflection for Compact Electronics Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for induction cooking hobs are inefficient in utilizing the airflow generated by blowers, particularly in compact built-in systems, as they do not effectively cool all electronic components, leading to suboptimal thermal management and potential component failure due to high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that deflects a portion of the airflow generated by the blower to direct 'used' but still 'fresh' air towards electronic components not directly connected to the heat-sink, utilizing a deflector to separate the airflow into parallel and transverse flows, ensuring comprehensive cooling of all components, including power devices and capacitors, thereby maximizing the cooling capacity of the airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow divider is used to split airflow into two parallel flows for cooling heat-sink and other components, then both components can be cooled, but the system becomes less compact and the second flow is not efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow is segmented into two distinct flows: a first flow directed through the heat-sink and a second flow deflected towards other electronic components. This segmentation allows each component type to receive optimized cooling without requiring separate blowers, maintaining compactness while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction parameter of the airflow is changed by deflecting the second flow at an angle towards other components. This parameter change enables the same air mass to serve multiple cooling purposes sequentially, improving both compactness and cooling effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a blower with sufficient cooling capacity is used to generate two parallel airstreams, then both heat-sink and other components can be cooled, but the system is not compact for built-in applications
Solution Approach 1:
The single blower is designed to perform multiple functions: generating a primary cooling flow for the heat-sink and a secondary deflected flow for other components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional blowers, achieving reliable cooling of all components within a compact built-in form factor.
3Reliability
If the second flow is directed laterally towards other components, then those components receive cooling, but the airflow efficiency is far from saturation and fresh air is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling action is made continuous and cascading: the air first cools the heat-sink, then the deflected portion continues to cool other components before being exhausted. This continuous useful action ensures that the airflow maintains cooling capacity throughout its path, maximizing energy utilization and preventing waste of fresh air.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of airflow utilization, providing effective cooling to all components, reducing the risk of thermal failure and improving the reliability and lifespan of electronic components in induction cooking hobs, while maintaining a compact design suitable for built-in systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling system has electronic components directly mounted on the heat-sink which is then are cooled through forced convection systems
Implementation Method 2
some of the electronic components are placed on such electronic boards together with heat sinks to which they are connected, for dissipating heat
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
A cooling system for a built-in induction hob with an improved cooling efficiency, and a cooling method thereof. The cooling system comprises an air blower for generating an airflow according to a first direction (40), a heat-sink device (50) through which air blown by the air blower is conveyed. The cooling system (10) further comprises airflow deflecting means (80) for deflecting said airflow from said first direction (40) to a second direction (90) which significantly deviates from said first direction (40).