Microwave Oven Side Grid Structure for Spark-Safe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side grid systems for ovens with microwave heating functions face challenges in securely attaching side grids to the oven cavity without causing electrical sparking, particularly when using enamel-coated metal walls, and often require multiple expensive insulating holding elements.
Innovation Solution
A side grid system with front and rear metal plates that utilize single holding elements made of electrically insulating materials, such as Teflon or ceramic, to maintain a spark-safe distance from the metal cavity wall, reducing the risk of electrical sparking and minimizing material costs by using only two insulating holding elements per side grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple insulating holding elements are used to attach the side grid to the oven cavity wall, then the reliability of preventing electrical sparking is improved, but the device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple holding elements into a single integrated holding element that attaches both the front metal plate and rear metal plate to the oven cavity wall. This single holding element maintains the spark-safe distance for both plates simultaneously, reducing the total number of components while preserving the electrical insulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single holding element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an insulator for both the front and rear metal plates, provides mechanical attachment for both plates to the wall, and maintains the required spark-safe distance for both plates. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate holding elements for each plate.
2Reliability
If multiple insulating holding elements are used to attach the side grid to the oven cavity wall, then the reliability of preventing electrical sparking is improved, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple insulating holding elements into a single integrated holding element that attaches both the front metal plate and rear metal plate to the oven cavity wall. This single holding element maintains the spark-safe distance for both plates simultaneously, reducing the total amount of insulating material required while preserving the electrical insulation function.
3Device complexity
If the side grid is attached close to the metal cavity wall to reduce complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but electrical sparking occurs during microwave operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating holding element as an intermediary between the metal plates and the metal cavity wall. This intermediary component allows the side grid to be attached close to the wall for simplicity while maintaining the required spark-safe distance through the insulating material, thus preventing electrical sparking during microwave operation.
4Device complexity
If a single holding element is used to attach both front and rear metal plates, then the device complexity and material cost are reduced, but the stability of attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple holding elements into a single integrated component that provides stable attachment for both metal plates. The design ensures that this single holding element maintains proper spacing and secure connection for both the front and rear plates, achieving both simplification and stability.
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 prevents electrical sparking during microwave operation while allowing for stable attachment of side grids, even when fully loaded with trays, and reduces material costs by limiting the use of expensive insulating materials.
Implementation Method 1
both the front metal plate and the rear metal plate are adapted for being stably held at a sparkle-safe distance from the metal cavity side wall at which electrical sparkle formation during microwave operation of the oven is avoided by respectively a single front holding element or a single rear holding element that comprises an electrically insulating material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a side grid system adapted for use in an oven cavity of a microwave oven, wherein said side grid system is provided for supporting one or more slidable foodstuff carriers. The side grid system comprises a pair of side grid elements (10) and at least four holding elements (32, 34). Each side grid element (10) is attachable by at least two holding elements (32, 34) at one of two opposing metal side walls (36) of the oven cavity. The holding elements (32, 34) are permanently or removably fixable at the metal side walls (36) of the oven cavity. Each side grid element (10) includes a front metal plate (12) and a rear metal plate (14) that extends essentially along the vertical height (hv) of the side grid element (10). The side grid element (10) includes a plurality of horizontal elongated rod sections (18) interconnecting the front metal plate (12) and the rear metal plate (14). The horizontal elongated rod sections (18) of each side grid element (10) are arranged one upon the other within said side grid element (10). The front metal plate (12) is engageable with at least one front holding element (32) by an essentially vertical movement along a plane defined by the first metal plate (12). The rear metal plate (14) is engageable with at least one rear holding element (34) by an essentially, horizontal movement along a plane defined by the rear metal plate (14). At least one of the front metal plate (12) and the rear metal plate (14) is adapted for being stably held by respectively a single front holding element (32) or a single rear holding element (34) at a sparkle-safe distance from the metal cavity side wall (36) at which electrical sparkle formation during microwave operation of the oven is avoided.