Integrated Convection Return Air Assembly with Reflective Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular ovens for curing paint on vehicle bodies require separate reflector and convection return air assemblies, leading to increased complexity, assembly time, and space usage, as well as higher costs and error susceptibility.

Innovation Solution

The oven apparatus integrates a convection return air assembly adjacent to the base and side walls with a trough-shaped outer surface to reflect radiant heat efficiently, reducing the number of parts and assembly time, while using fewer components and minimizing space within the oven.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate reflector and convection return air assemblies are used, then the oven can perform both functions, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reflector and convection return air assembly into a single integrated component. The return air assembly includes an outer surface that serves as the reflector, eliminating the need for a separate reflector assembly. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining both reflective and convection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The return air assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the convection return air pathway and the reflector for radiant heat. The outer surface of the return air assembly is configured to reflect radiant heat, while the interior provides the convection return air function, making this single component multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate reflector and convection return air assemblies are used, then both functions are achieved, but assembly time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the reflector and convection return air assembly into one integrated component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. Instead of assembling two separate components, only one component needs to be installed, significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate reflector and convection return air assemblies are used, then both functions are provided, but the space required in the oven interior increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidspace usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the reflector function into the return air assembly eliminates the need for additional space that would be required for a separate reflector. The outer surface of the return air assembly serves dual purposes, reducing the overall volume occupied by these components within the oven interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If more parts are used for separate assemblies, then functional requirements are met, but maintenance complexity and error susceptibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidassembly accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the number of parts that could potentially be assembled incorrectly. By integrating the reflector and return air assembly into one component, there are fewer connection points and assembly steps where errors could occur, thereby improving assembly accuracy and reducing maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated design results in a more compact, cost-effective, and easier-to-assemble structure that enhances heating efficiency and reduces maintenance complexity, while minimizing space usage and assembly errors.

Implementation Method 1

heating the vehicle body with radiant and convection heat from a radiant heating tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

reflecting radiant heat from the radiant tube toward the lower part of the vehicle body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

convection return air assembly... for removing return air from an oven interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8519307B2Modular paint oven using radiant and convection heat

Publication Date: 2013.08.27 GK LICENSING

AI summary

An oven apparatus 24 having a modular construction for curing paint on the surface of a vehicle body 26 using radiant and convection heat. The oven apparatus 24 includes a plurality of oven modules 30. Each oven module 30 includes a pair of convection return air assemblies 128 for removing exhaust gases from the oven interior 98 and a pair of radiant heating tubes 100 for heating the vehicle body. Each of the convection return air assemblies 128 has a reflective outer surface 94 for reflecting radiant heat from the radiant heating tubes 100 at the vehicle body 26.