Oven with insulating block and heat dissipating element for camera module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital electronic cameras used in ovens often malfunction due to high temperatures within the oven cavity, particularly at the top and rear areas, limiting their effective placement and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with an insulating block and sink washer system that directs heat away from the camera, mounted on the oven's top wall outside the cooking cavity, using a glass substrate to enclose an air gap and reduce thermal transmission, allowing the camera to withstand high heat and maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is positioned near the back wall to provide a view of the food, then the viewing capability is improved, but the camera is exposed to high temperatures that can damage its components
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating block is introduced as an intermediary between the camera and the hot oven cavity. This block thermally isolates the camera from the high-temperature environment while allowing the camera to maintain its optimal operating temperature range, thus enabling the camera to be positioned near the back wall for better viewing without suffering thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the camera unit itself, the insulating block, and the mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the camera captures images, the insulating block provides thermal protection, and the mounting structure positions the assembly - thereby resolving the contradiction between positioning for viewing and protection from heat
2Reliability
If the camera is positioned away from high-heat areas to avoid damage, then the camera's survival temperature is maintained, but the ability to view the back of the food is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating block serves as a thermal intermediary that enables the camera to operate in previously inaccessible high-heat zones. By providing thermal isolation, it allows the camera to be positioned near the back wall for comprehensive viewing coverage while maintaining reliable operation within its temperature specifications
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal insulation is added to protect the camera, then thermal protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating block is merged with the mounting structure to form an integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate insulation components and simplifies installation, as the insulating block simultaneously provides thermal protection and structural support for mounting the camera
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
Enables the camera to operate effectively near high-heat areas within the oven, providing a beneficial view of food without damage from thermal stress, while maintaining the camera's functionality and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating block contacting the top wall of the liner and defining an aperture therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The sink washer directs heat from the camera away from the camera and away from the top wall of the liner
Implementation Method 3
a glass substrate coupled within the lower side of the aperture to enclose an air gap within the aperture between the glass substrate and a housing of the camera
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A camera assembly (10) includes an insulating block (14) for mounting the camera (30) against a surface (16) in contact therewith and aligned with an opening (18) through the surface (16). The insulating block (14) defines an aperture (20) therethrough, a lower side (22) of the aperture (20) being aligned with the opening (18) in the surface (16). The assembly (10) further includes a sink washer (24) mounted to the insulating block (14) in partial contact therewith and extending outward from the top side (28) of the aperture (20). A camera (30) is mounted to the sink washer (24) and has a lens (32) directed through the aperture (20) in the insulating block (14) and through the opening (18) in the surface (16). A glass substrate (34) is coupled within the lower side (22) of the aperture (20) to enclose an air gap (36) within the aperture (20) between the glass substrate (34) and a housing (38) of the camera (30).