Microwave Oven Front-Frame Gasket for Thermal Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multifunctional ovens with microwave heating, heat conduction through the front frame into the oven cavity occurs, especially when additional heating functions are present, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A gap is created between the oven cavity and the front frame, filled with a gasket made of low heat conductivity materials, including electrically conductive silicone with small metallic particles, to thermally decouple the front frame from the oven cavity, preventing heat transfer while maintaining microwave sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the front frame is welded to the oven cavity or made as a part of the oven cavity, then microwave leakage at the door is avoided, but heat conduction from the oven cavity via the front frame out of the oven increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrowave leakage preventionVSAvoidheat conduction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The front frame is separated from the oven cavity by introducing a gap between them, breaking the continuous thermal path. This segmentation allows the front frame to be electrically connected for microwave shielding while thermally isolated to reduce heat conduction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An electrically conductive gasket is introduced as an intermediary element between the oven cavity and front frame. This gasket provides electrical continuity to prevent microwave leakage while the gap around it maintains thermal isolation, thus resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic shielding and thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If a gap is formed between the oven cavity and the front frame to reduce heat conduction, then thermal insulation is improved, but microwave leakage may occur through the gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat conduction lossVSAvoidmicrowave leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket is positioned locally at the gap between the oven cavity and front frame, providing electrical continuity only where needed for microwave shielding. The rest of the gap remains as a thermal barrier, achieving local electrical connection without compromising overall thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket is made of electrically conductive material (such as conductive silicone or metal-coated material) that combines electrical conductivity for microwave shielding with thermal insulation properties, allowing it to function as both an electrical connector and thermal barrier simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If the front frame is thermally decoupled from the oven cavity, then energy efficiency is improved, but the structural connection and sealing between the front frame and oven cavity become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat conduction lossVSAvoidconnection and sealing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides steam tightness, maintains the gap for thermal insulation, ensures electrical continuity for microwave shielding, and compensates for manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite the thermal decoupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 heat conduction from the oven cavity through the front frame, enhancing thermal insulation and maintaining microwave integrity, thus improving the oven's energy efficiency and performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the gasket is made of one or more materials having low heat conductivity, so that the front frame is thermally decoupled from the oven cavity by said part of the gasket and/or by the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least a part of the gasket comprises at least one electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material prevents an infiltration of microwaves into the gap between the front frame and the oven cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

at least a part of the gasket comprises at least one elastic material. The elastic material allows a compensation of tolerance between the front frame and the oven door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10448464B2Microwave oven or a multifunctional oven with microwave heating function

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV

AI summary

A microwave oven or multifunctional oven with microwave heating function. The oven includes a cavity with an open front side and a front frame enclosing at least partially a front portion of the cavity. The cavity and the front frame include metal sheet. The front frame is connected to the cavity by fixing elements. A gap is formed between the cavity and the front frame. The gap encloses at least partially the front portion of the cavity and the front frame encloses the gap. The oven includes a door covering the open front side and the gap in a closed state of the door. The gap is at least partially filled by a gasket at least part of which includes one or more materials having low heat conductivity, so that the front frame is thermally decoupled from the cavity by the part of the gasket or the gap.