Oven Cooling Duct Layout for Electric Element Chamber Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking appliances face inefficiencies in cooling the electric element chamber due to the placement of the fan motor in the air flow path, leading to reduced energy efficiency and potential thermal damage to the cabinet, especially in built-in types where heat transfer occurs during exhaust discharge.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance design featuring a fan-motor assembly with a bi-axial motor driving both intake and exhaust fans, arranged in a layered structure with separate ducts for efficient air flow management, including cooling flow passages in the door and ambient air intake louvers to enhance cooling efficiency and prevent cabinet heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fan motor is arranged in the air flow path to cool the electric element chamber, then the cooling function is provided, but the energy efficiency deteriorates and the motor is exposed to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air flow path into two separate channels: one for cooling the electric element chamber (upper chamber) and another for exhaust discharge (lower chamber). This segmentation allows the cooling function to be provided without exposing the fan motor to the high-temperature exhaust air path, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while achieving effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate structure (separation wall or baffle) between the exhaust air flow path and the cooling air flow path. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the hot exhaust air and the fan motor, allowing the motor to operate in a cooler environment while still providing the necessary cooling function to the electric element chamber.
2Productivity
If the blowing fan directly sucks heated air from the cooking chamber for exhaust discharge, then the exhaust function is provided, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air intake sources into two separate inlets: one for cooling air (from the upper chamber) and another for exhaust air (from the lower chamber). This allows the fan to draw cooler air for the cooling function and separately handle exhaust air, reducing the energy required to move hot air and improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining effective exhaust discharge.
3Productivity
If the exhaust air strikes the cabinet structure for outward discharge, then the exhaust function is provided, but thermal damage occurs to the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the exhaust air flow path from the cabinet structure by providing a dedicated exhaust duct or channel that directs hot exhaust air away from the cabinet body. This segmentation prevents thermal damage to the cabinet while maintaining effective exhaust discharge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate exhaust duct or flow guide structure between the cooking chamber and the cabinet exterior. This intermediary channels the hot exhaust air through a protected path, preventing direct contact with the cabinet structure and avoiding thermal damage while maintaining the exhaust discharge function.
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 achieves improved energy efficiency, effective cooling of the electric element chamber, and reduces thermal damage to the cabinet by optimizing air flow and preventing heat transfer during exhaust discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the door having cooling flow passages for absorbing heat transferred from the cooking chamber
Implementation Method 2
a fan-motor assembly arranged in a space defined by the intake air duct and the exhaust duct such that the fan-motor assembly forms a portion of a connecting passage connecting the intake air duct and the exhaust duct
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance is provided that has a structure which efficiently cools an electric element chamber. The cooking appliance includes an appliance body that has a cooking chamber to cook food, a door that opens and closes the cooking chamber, and cooling flow passages that absorb heat transferred from the cooking chamber. Additionally, an intake air duct may be provided proximate a top side of the cooking chamber to communicate with the cooling flow passages. Further, an exhaust duct may be provided proximate the intake air duct to communicate with the intake air duct. Further, a fan-motor assembly may be provided in a space formed by the intake air duct and the exhaust duct such that the fan-motor assembly forms a portion of a connecting passage that connects the intake air duct and the exhaust duct.