Microwave Hood Fan Assembly With Shared Motor Venting and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave ovens with hoods have a complex structure due to separate vent fans and cooling fans, leading to increased manufacturing costs and part count.
Innovation Solution
A microwave oven design that uses a single fan motor to drive both vent fans and a cooling fan, with the vent fans and cooling fan being rotatably coupled and eccentrically positioned to share a common axis, allowing for adjustable air flow directions and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate vent fans and cooling fans are provided with separate driving motors, then the venting function and cooling function can be independently performed, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vent fan and cooling fan into a single integrated fan assembly that is rotatably coupled to share a common rotational axis. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate motors and components needed, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining both venting and cooling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fan assembly serves multiple functions: it can operate as a vent fan for exhaust purposes, as a cooling fan for cooling the cooking chamber, or in combination modes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate vent fans and cooling fans are provided with separate driving motors, then each fan can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fan functions into a single integrated assembly, reducing the total number of parts. Instead of having separate motors, housings, and mounting structures for vent and cooling fans, the invention uses one shared motor and integrated housing that accommodates both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fan assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through different operational modes and configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fans for venting and cooling purposes.
3Reliability
If separate vent fans and cooling fans are provided, then each fan can be positioned independently for optimal performance, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vent fan and cooling fan into a single integrated assembly that occupies less space than two separate fan units would require. The shared motor and combined housing reduce the overall volume needed for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan is positioned within or adjacent to the vent fan assembly in a nested arrangement, allowing both fans to share the same spatial envelope and motor housing, thereby maximizing space utilization.
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 design simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves space efficiency by eliminating the need for additional motors and components.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that is driven by a common fan motor to generate air current for introducing and exhausting contaminated air and for cooling the electric components
Implementation Method 2
at least one vent fan and a cooling fan that are driven by a common fan motor to generate air current for introducing and exhausting contaminated air
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave range having a hood for removing contaminated air includes a chamber having an inner chamber configured to receive items to be heated; an electric component room containing electric components; and at least one vent fan and a cooling fan that are driven by a common fan motor to generate air current for introducing and exhausting contaminated air and for cooling the electric components.