Movable Air Curtain Venting for Over-the-Range Ovens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Over-the-range ovens lack an efficient mechanism to suction and discharge gases produced by cooking apparatuses, limiting their effectiveness as both cooking and ventilation solutions.
Innovation Solution
The over-the-range oven incorporates an air curtain unit that moves between positions to generate an air curtain, guiding gases from the cooking apparatus to a suction port for efficient removal, utilizing a combination of guides and discharge portions to enhance airflow and gas capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an air curtain unit is added to guide gases to the suction port, then gas suction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain unit is designed to be movable between a first position (retracted into the body) and a second position (protruding forward). A driving unit actuates the air curtain unit to protrude when cooking is detected, creating an air curtain that guides gases toward the suction port. This dynamic configuration allows the system to enhance gas suction efficiency only when needed, rather than permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit detects when cooking is occurring on the cooking apparatus and preliminarily activates the air curtain unit before gas accumulation becomes problematic. By anticipating the need for enhanced ventilation and activating the air curtain in advance, the system improves gas suction efficiency proactively rather than reactively.
2Productivity
If the air curtain unit protrudes forward to generate an air curtain, then gas guidance to suction port is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain unit transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, capable of protruding forward to create an effective air curtain barrier. This dynamic element allows the system to improve gas guidance efficiency by positioning the air curtain strategically in front of the cooking apparatus, while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The air curtain unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier to guide gases, creates airflow patterns to enhance suction, and can be integrated with the existing body structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
3Productivity
If guides and discharge portions are used to enhance airflow, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into distinct functional components: guides that direct airflow, discharge portions that release air, and the movable air curtain unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to improve overall ventilation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides and discharge portions act as intermediaries between the air blower unit and the external environment. These intermediary structures shape and direct the airflow generated by the blower, enhancing the overall ventilation effectiveness by controlling air movement patterns rather than relying on direct discharge.
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
This design significantly increases the suction of gases produced during cooking, enhancing both the oven's cooking and ventilation functions by ensuring effective gas removal and improving the hood functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower unit that generates a flow of air
Implementation Method 2
an air curtain unit to generate an air curtain by discharging air, wherein the air curtain unit moves between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an over-the-range oven including a body provided with a suction port and an exhaust port, an air blower unit causing air to be suctioned through the suction port and discharged through the exhaust port, and an air curtain unit movably installed at a lower portion of the body to generate an air curtain by discharging air. Since the air curtain unit is movable between a first position at which the air curtain unit is disposed close to the body and a second position at which the air curtain unit protrudes from the body, it may allow gas produced by a cooking apparatus disposed below the air curtain unit to be efficiently discharged.