Modular Microwave Oven and Ventilation Hood System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined microwave oven and ventilation hood systems have fixed configurations, making them inflexible for different installation environments, with bulky fan units and limited airflow, noise, and high production and maintenance costs, and they often require an exhaust duct, restricting installation options.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a core module with a microwave cooking chamber and an intake module with a separate housing for air intake, allowing for adjustable configurations, improved airflow, reduced noise, and cost-effective production and maintenance, with optional recirculation and enhanced air treatment features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration is used for the combination system, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot be varied to suit different installation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The combination system is divided into separate functional modules: a microwave oven module and a ventilation hood module. These modules can be independently configured and connected through ductwork, allowing the system to be adapted to different installation environments without requiring a completely different fixed design for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements, including variable duct routing options and modular component arrangements that can be dynamically adjusted during installation to suit different kitchen layouts and space constraints, moving away from rigid fixed configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the fan unit is arranged on top of the microwave oven, then the ventilation function is integrated, but the arrangement is bulky and visually undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The fan unit and ventilation components are extracted from the microwave oven housing and placed in a separate ventilation hood module. This separation eliminates the bulky appearance on top of the microwave while maintaining full ventilation functionality through dedicated ductwork connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is repositioned from a vertical arrangement on top of the microwave to a horizontal or angled ductwork configuration that routes air through channels behind or beside the microwave, changing the spatial dimension of the ventilation path to achieve a cleaner appearance.
3Productivity
If the ventilation hood is arranged above the microwave oven with vertical duct connection, then the airflow path is direct, but the configuration is fixed and requires specific installation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is designed with universal connection capabilities that can accommodate both vertical ductwork arrangements and horizontal recirculation configurations. The same basic module can serve multiple installation scenarios through flexible duct routing options and adjustable air intake/exhaust positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in airflow path parameters, including duct angle, length, and routing configuration, while maintaining effective ventilation performance. Adjustable parameters enable the system to adapt to different installation spaces without compromising airflow efficiency.
4Reliability
If a separate cooling system is provided for the microwave oven, then the microwave components are adequately cooled, but the overall system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave oven cooling system is merged with the ventilation hood airflow system. The ventilation fan creates a airflow pattern that simultaneously cools the microwave components and provides the ventilation function, eliminating the need for a completely separate cooling system and reducing overall complexity.
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 modular design enables flexible installation in various environments, optimizes space utilization, reduces noise, and lowers production and maintenance costs while providing improved airflow and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a fan unit arranged in said intake module and arranged to move air from said air intake through said ventilation channel
Implementation Method 2
a microwave cooking chamber, fitted in said core module housing
Data Source
AI summary
A modular microwave oven and ventilation hood combination system, includes a core module, having a core module housing, and a microwave cooking chamber, fitted in the core module housing. The system further includes an intake module, having an intake module housing connected to a lower side of the core module housing, and an air inlet for drawing air from an area above a range.