Microwave cooking appliance having a connector system for an external vent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Typical microwave cooking appliances face difficulties in connecting their exhaust to an external vent due to lack of accessibility and alignment issues, making proper venting and installation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a magnetic mounting bracket with vent openings, an adaptor with magnets and a through opening, and a gasket for sealing, which aligns and fluidly connects the microwave's exhaust to an external vent, facilitating easier installation and venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microwave appliance body is positioned to connect exhaust to external vent, then venting function is achieved, but accessibility and alignment with external vent becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate components: a main bracket body that mounts to the cabinet and an extendable arm with the vent opening. This segmentation allows the vent opening to be positioned independently for optimal alignment with the external vent while the main body remains securely mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates an adjustable arm that can be positioned at multiple angles and distances from the main bracket body. This dynamic adjustment capability enables installers to align the vent opening with the external vent opening even when accessibility is limited, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and alignment ease.
2Reliability
If the exhaust is directly connected to external vent, then proper venting is achieved, but alignment precision becomes difficult due to body obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the microwave exhaust and the external vent. It provides a precisely engineered interface with alignment features that facilitate accurate connection, eliminating the need for direct alignment between the appliance body and external vent.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable arm of the mounting bracket introduces an additional spatial dimension for adjustment. By varying the arm's length and angle, installers can achieve precise alignment in multiple degrees of freedom, overcoming the limitations of direct connection alignment.
3Reliability
If manual alignment is performed during installation, then connection is achieved, but installer effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with the extendable arm and vent opening positioned for optimal alignment before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment adjustments, significantly reducing installation time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket's design inherently provides alignment guidance through its geometric features and adjustable mechanisms. The system essentially aligns itself during installation through the natural positioning capabilities of the bracket, minimizing the need for installer intervention and measurement.
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 connector system simplifies the alignment and connection of the microwave's exhaust to the external vent, ensuring proper venting and reducing manual effort during installation, while maintaining a secure and sealed connection.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting bracket may include a magnetic body... the adaptor may include one or more magnets... the one or more magnets may be adjacent the first end of the adaptor and releasably engage the magnetic body of the mounting bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave cooking appliance having a connector system connecting the appliance to an external vent configuration. The connector system may include an adaptor. The connector system may include a mounting bracket to mount the microwave cooking appliance. The adaptor and/or mounting bracket may include one or more magnets to magnetically connect the adaptor with the mounting bracket. The connector system may include a sealing system.