Microwave Oven Thermo Protector Mounting for Overheat Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Thermo Protectors in microwave ovens are inefficient in quickly detecting overheated temperatures due to their attachment position and fixing configuration, leading to potential fires and damage to high voltage transformers.
Innovation Solution
Improving the installment position and fixing configuration of the Thermo Protector by attaching it to the outer surface of the secondary coil through a fixing holder and insulating materials, allowing for quicker detection of overheated temperatures and blocking current supply to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Thermo Protector is attached between the core and secondary coil using conventional methods, then the structure is simple, but the overheated temperature detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
A fixing holder is introduced as an intermediary component to attach the Thermo Protector to the outer surface of the secondary coil. This holder provides a dedicated mounting structure that ensures close thermal contact while simplifying the overall assembly process and improving detection speed without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The Thermo Protector is repositioned from an internal location (between core and secondary coil) to an external location (outer surface of secondary coil). This dimensional change allows the sensor to directly monitor the coil's external temperature, improving detection speed while using a simple fixing holder to maintain structural integrity
2Reliability
If the Thermo Protector is attached to the outer surface of the secondary coil through a fixing holder, then the overheated temperature detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into separate functional components: the fixing holder for mechanical attachment, insulating materials for electrical isolation, and the Thermo Protector for temperature sensing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple materials are combined in the fixing structure: conductive materials for the fixing holder, insulating materials (such as varnish or insulating tape) for electrical isolation, and the Thermo Protector sensor material. This composite approach ensures both mechanical stability and electrical safety while improving detection capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fixing configuration is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fire prevention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The Thermo Protector is pre-mounted on the outer surface of the secondary coil using the fixing holder before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures the sensor is in the optimal position for fire prevention detection without complicating the main manufacturing process, as the holder design allows for straightforward installation
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing holder acts as a mediator that simplifies the assembly process by providing a pre-fabricated mounting structure. This intermediary component standardizes the attachment process, making it easier to manufacture while ensuring the Thermo Protector is correctly positioned for effective fire prevention
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 improved configuration enables rapid detection of overheated temperatures, effectively preventing fires and enhancing the durability of microwave ovens by ensuring timely intervention in abnormal operations.
Implementation Method 1
A Thermo Protector (TP) used to protect the HVT is attached between a core and a secondary coil to detect the overheated temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A microwave oven capable of quickly detecting the abnormal operation and the overheated temperature of a high voltage transformer. The microwave oven including cooking chamber, a magnetron configured to provide a high frequency wave to inside of the cooking chamber, a high voltage transformer (HVT) including a core, a primary coil wound around the core, and a secondary coil wound around the core and configured to transform a voltage, which is provided to the microwave oven, to the magnetron, and a Thermo Protector (TP) configured to block a current from being applied to the primary coil when the HVT is overheated, wherein the TP is disposed at an outer surface of the secondary coil.