Automated Oven Door Actuator for Testing Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of oven doors during testing is labor-intensive and inconsistent, leading to inefficiencies in heating and cooling processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing apparatus using a framework with actuators and controllers to programmatically open and close oven doors, reducing labor requirements and ensuring uniformity in testing procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of oven doors is used during testing, then labor flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases and testing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system performs door operations automatically without human intervention. The actuator mechanism opens and closes oven doors based on pre-programmed test sequences, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for manual labor while maintaining consistent testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated actuator mechanism. The actuator, controlled by a programmable controller, substitutes human physical action to open and close oven doors, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
2Device complexity
If manual door operation is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but testing uniformity deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable controller executes pre-defined test sequences with precise timing control for door operations. The system follows programmed instructions to open doors for specific durations at specific temperatures, ensuring uniform testing conditions across all appliance tests without human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the control system and the oven door. This intermediate mechanism translates electronic control signals into precise mechanical door movements, ensuring consistent and repeatable door operations that eliminate variability introduced by manual handling.
3Reliability
If automated actuators are introduced, then testing consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to different oven types and door configurations. The same basic actuator design can be adapted to various appliances, and the programmable controller can handle different test sequences, reducing overall system complexity through standardized components with multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing apparatus is provided for opening and closing a door of an appliance being tested. The apparatus includes a framework; a first actuator attached to the framework, the first actuator having a retracted position and an extended position; a first attaching bar attached to the first actuator and to the door; and a controller for controlling the first actuator such that the first actuator causes the door to move to an open position when the actuator moves from a first one of the extended position and the retracted position to the other of the extended position and the retracted position, and the first actuator causes the door to move to a closed position when the actuator moves from the other of the extended position and the retracted position to the first one of the extended position and the retracted position.