Over-the-range microwave door air handler noise masking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Over-the-range microwave appliances face noise issues due to loud cooling systems, which are unpleasant for users when operating near interactive doors with heat-generating screens.

Innovation Solution

A method of operating a microwave appliance that includes a vent fan and an air handler within the door assembly, where the controller determines the vent fan's status and instructs the air handler to operate at a high level when the vent fan is on, reducing noise by masking it with increased airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If cooling systems are incorporated to remove heat from sensitive areas, then heat removal effectiveness is improved, but noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat removal effectivenessVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vent fan acts as an intermediary noise source that masks the unpleasant high-pitched noise of the cooling system. By introducing a different type of noise (vent fan operation) that is more acceptable to users, the harmful acoustic effect of the cooling system is compensated for.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The noise generated by the vent fan is converted from a potential harmful factor into a beneficial masking effect. The vent fan's operation creates an acoustic environment that covers up the unpleasant cooling system noise, transforming what could be an additional noise problem into a noise solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the air handler operates at high level to mask noise, then noise masking effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise masking effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air handler operates at high level only during specific periods when the vent fan is running and noise masking is needed. The controller activates the air handler in response to vent fan operation, creating a periodic rather than continuous high-energy operation mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The air handler's operating level is made dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts the air handler's operation based on the vent fan's status, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption to the actual noise masking requirements at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces the sonic impact of the cooling system, providing a quieter operation environment for users by enhancing airflow and masking the noise of the vent fan with the air handler's operation.

Implementation Method 1

an air handler positioned within the door frame for urging a flow of air through the door plenum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow:

Implementation Method 2

a vent fan provided within the cabinet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFan-induced airflow: Fan

Data Source

PatentUS11778702B2Over-the-range microwave including cooling fans and method of operating an over-the-range microwave

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of operating a microwave appliance includes determining that a vent fan is on, and instructing an air handler within a door of the microwave appliance to operate in response to determining that the vent fan is on.