Microwave Oven Control Panel Tunnel Structure for Moisture Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture infiltration into the control panel of Over-The-Range (OTR) microwave ovens can cause malfunction of the input unit due to vapour or moisture generated during cooking, which rises and enters the microwave oven, leading to erroneous operations.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a tunnel structure is designed to discharge infiltrated moisture to the outside, featuring a main body with recessed tunnels along the outer peripheral surfaces of the input unit and pattern board, including discharge holes that direct moisture downward through the rear surface, preventing internal accumulation and ensuring proper function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel is installed in an OTR microwave oven above a cooker, then the convenience and efficiency in cooking is enhanced, but moisture generated during cooking infiltrates into the control panel causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into multiple functional layers including the input unit, pattern board, and main body, with tunnels provided between these segments to enable moisture discharge while maintaining operational integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Tunnels are introduced as intermediary structures between the input unit and the external environment, serving as dedicated pathways for moisture to escape without affecting the electrical components of the control panel
2Reliability
If moisture infiltration is prevented by sealing the control panel, then operational reliability is improved, but internal moisture accumulation may occur causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
Moisture is extracted from the control panel interior through dedicated tunnels that provide direct discharge pathways, preventing both external infiltration and internal accumulation by continuously removing moisture vapor
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel structure itself provides moisture discharge functionality through integrated tunnels within the main body, eliminating the need for external moisture removal systems
3Reliability
If tunnels are provided for moisture discharge, then moisture infiltration is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture discharge tunnels are merged with the existing control panel structure, utilizing the main body's geometry to incorporate discharge pathways without adding separate moisture removal systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnels in the main body serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling moisture discharge, and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the control panel
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave oven with a control panel having a tunnel structure of discharging infiltrated moisture. The microwave oven includes a cabinet provided with a cooking compartment in which food is heated by microwaves and a machine compartment divided from the cooking compartment and in which machine parts are installed, a door coupled to a front side of the cooking compartment so as to open and close, and a control panel coupled to a front side of the machine compartment and provided to allow a function to be selected, wherein the control panel is provided at an inside thereof with at least one tunnel allowing moisture infiltrated into the control panel to pass therethrough so that the moisture is discharged to the outside. The tunnel is formed along an outer peripheral surface of the input unit, thereby preventing device malfunction due to moisture infiltrated into the control panel.