Oven Door Cooling Vent Shield Against Food Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric ovens face issues with foreign matter entering through the cooling air opening on the door, leading to offensive odors and sanitary problems when food is inserted or removed.
Innovation Solution
A shield element with a mesh filter and sealing member is detachably attached to the cooling air opening, and an actuator is used to selectively open and close the opening based on the door's position, preventing foreign matter from entering while allowing air to escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling air opening is formed on the door to exhaust air from cooling channels, then air circulation and cooling function are improved, but foreign matter can enter through the opening causing sanitary problems
Solution Approach 1:
A shield element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cooling air opening and the external environment. This shield includes a mesh filter that allows air to pass through while blocking foreign matter such as food particles and juice, thus mediating the conflict between maintaining cooling function and preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield element incorporates a mesh filter made of porous material that permits air flow necessary for cooling while physically blocking foreign matter. The porous structure allows selective passage based on particle size, enabling air circulation while preventing entry of contaminants.
2Ease of operation
If the door is opened for food insertion or removal, then accessibility is improved, but the cooling air opening faces upward allowing foreign matter to fall in
Solution Approach 1:
The shield element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of rotating between a horizontal position when the door is closed and a vertical position when the door is opened. This dynamic adjustment ensures the shield remains effective in preventing foreign matter entry while accommodating the door's operational movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield element is positioned and oriented in advance based on the door's position. When the door is opened, the shield rotates to a vertical position beforehand to prevent foreign matter from falling into the opening, proactively addressing the contamination risk before it occurs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield element is added to prevent foreign matter entry, then sanitary conditions are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield element is integrated with the existing door structure and cooling system components. The mesh filter is combined with a rotating mechanism that utilizes the door's existing movement, merging multiple functions (filtration, rotation, sealing) into a single integrated component rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield element utilizes the door's own movement to automatically position itself. When the door opens or closes, the shield rotates accordingly without requiring external control mechanisms, allowing the door system to serve itself in positioning the protective element.
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
Prevents foreign matter from entering the door during food handling, thereby reducing the generation of offensive odors and maintaining cleanliness within the oven.
Implementation Method 1
The shield element may include a mesh filter that filters foreign matter
Implementation Method 2
The shield element may further include an elastic member coupled to the blocking member and configured to bias the blocking member toward the cooling air opening when the door is in an opened condition
Data Source
AI summary
An electric oven includes a door and a compartment having an internal space that is selectively closed by the door. The door has a cooling air opening oil a surface facing the compartment, and the compartment has an intake opening configured to receive air exhausted through the cooling air opening. A shield element prevents foreign matter from entering into the door through the cooling air opening.