Microwave Oven Drawer Door Position Detection Using Mechanical Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer-typed microwave ovens face reliability issues due to susceptibility to external factors like power failures and voltage fluctuations, and their detection methods increase the load on electric motors, leading to high costs and reduced motor lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A microwave heating device with a door opening and closing detection system using touch configurations and a driving device, eliminating the need for pulse signal collection by the electric motor, allowing for automatic door operation with high accuracy and simplicity, reducing motor load and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pulse signal collection method is used to detect drawer door position, then door position detection can be achieved, but the electric motor becomes susceptible to external environment factors such as power failure, voltage fluctuation or external signal interference, resulting in poor reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor position detection reliabilityVSAvoidsusceptibility to external environment factors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical pulse signal collection system with a mechanical detection system. The detection switch directly senses the mechanical position of the drawer door through contact with the door body or door frame, eliminating the need for the electric motor to collect pulse signals. This mechanical substitution makes the detection system immune to electrical interference, voltage fluctuations, and power failures, thereby resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pulse signal collection method is used to detect drawer door position, then door position detection can be achieved, but the load on the electric motor increases, making it easy to be burned down and damaged, resulting in short working life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor position detection reliabilityVSAvoidelectric motor working life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transfers the detection function from the electric motor to a separate mechanical detection switch system. The detection switch independently senses door position through mechanical contact, completely relieving the electric motor of the pulse signal collection load. This prevents motor overheating and damage, extending its working life while maintaining reliable door position detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If pulse signal collection method is used to detect drawer door position, then door position detection can be achieved, but the electric motor configuration becomes complex with high technological and quality requirements, resulting in high cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor position detection reliabilityVSAvoidelectric motor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex electrical pulse signal collection system with a simple mechanical detection switch system. The detection switch directly contacts the door body or door frame to sense position, eliminating the need for complex motor control circuits, signal processing units, and high-precision encoding mechanisms. This mechanical approach uses common, low-cost components with simple installation and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If pulse signal collection method is used to detect drawer door position, then door position detection can be achieved, but the overall device cost increases due to high technological and quality requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor position detection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive electrical detection components with inexpensive mechanical detection switches. The detection switch can be a simple microswitch or contactless sensor that directly detects door position without requiring precision motors, complex circuit boards, or specialized components. This mechanical approach uses readily available, low-cost parts that are easy to source, install, and replace, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10462857B2Microwave heating device

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 GUANGDONG MIDEA KITCHEN APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses a microwave heating device, including: an oven body provided with a door opening detection switch and a door closing detection switch; a drawer door provided with a door opening touch configuration and a door closing touch configuration, installed on the oven body and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the drawer door is in the open position, the door opening touch configuration touches the door opening detection switch, the door closing touch configuration releases the door closing detection switch; when the drawer door is in the closed position, the door closing touch configuration touches the door closing detection switch, the door opening touch configuration releases the door opening detection switch; a driving device configured to drive the drawer door; a controller configured to communicate with the door opening detection switch, the door closing detection switch and the driving device.