Microwave Oven Control Panel Assembly for Foolproof Board Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microwave oven control panels face issues with improper assembly and foreign substance ingress, leading to potential damage and reduced operation reliability.

Innovation Solution

The control panel design includes foolproof ribs to prevent improper board insertion, a movement preventing rib to block foreign substances through vent holes, and a wire arranging holder to manage connections, enhancing assembly accuracy and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional control panel assembly is used without foolproof ribs, then assembly process is simpler, but board insertion accuracy deteriorates and improper insertion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboard insertion accuracyVSAvoidcontrol panel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foolproof ribs are designed to prevent improper board insertion before damage can occur. The ribs protrude into the board insertion slot to physically block incorrect insertion angles or positions, thereby preventing assembly errors in advance rather than correcting them after detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The foolproof ribs act as intermediary elements between the board and the board holder. These ribs provide a guiding and limiting function, mediating the insertion process to ensure proper alignment and preventing direct improper contact between the board and holder that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If vent holes are provided for air flow, then cooling function is improved, but foreign substance ingress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidforeign substance ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movement preventing rib is strategically positioned at specific locations where foreign substances are most likely to enter through vent holes. This localized protection approach maintains overall air flow for cooling while providing targeted defense against harmful factors at critical entry points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The movement preventing rib structure is designed to allow air molecules to pass through while blocking larger foreign substances. The rib configuration exploits the size difference between air molecules and contaminants, converting the same vent hole structure into both a cooling pathway and a filtration barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple boards are assembled in control casing, then functionality is improved, but assembly reliability deteriorates due to improper insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol panel functionalityVSAvoidassembly reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel assembly is segmented into multiple independent board holders, each equipped with its own foolproof rib system. This segmentation allows each board to be independently guided and protected during insertion, preventing improper assembly from affecting other boards and maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8908382B2Control panel for microwave oven
Publication Date: 2014.12.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8908382B2 patent drawing
  • US8908382B2 patent drawing
  • US8908382B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a control panel for a microwave oven, which includes a control casing, at least one board in the control casing, and at least two board holders. Each of the board holders includes a board insertion slot and a foolproof rib. The board insertion slots receive both ends of the board. The foolproof ribs catch a portion of the board to prevent the board from being improperly inserted into the board insertion slot. Accordingly, the control panel can be assembled more accurately, and operates more reliably.