Oven range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oven range designs face challenges in efficiently cooling the electronic component unit, particularly the printed circuit board (PCB), due to the high unit cost and inefficiency of the frontward-rearward cooling flow path, which requires additional configurations like insulation plates and fans, leading to manufacturing cost inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A cooling flow path is formed in a widthwise direction within the controller, utilizing a fan assembly and guide to direct airflow efficiently to the control PCB, reducing heat transfer and manufacturing costs by simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a frontward-rearward cooling flow path is used to cool the electronic component unit, then cooling function is provided, but unit cost increases due to additional insulation plates and fans

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidunit cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (insulation plates and fans) from the cooling system by utilizing the natural convection current formed by the oven's heating operation. The heating element naturally heats air that rises and circulates through the electronic component unit, providing cooling without requiring additional active cooling devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The oven's own heating operation creates a natural convection current that serves the dual purpose of heating food and cooling electronic components. The system uses its inherent thermal dynamics to cool itself, eliminating the need for separate cooling mechanisms and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If a frontward-rearward cooling flow path is implemented, then cooling function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex cooling flow path configurations, insulation plates, and additional fans from the system. By relying on natural convection, the design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective cooling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The natural convection current serves multiple functions simultaneously: it circulates hot air for heating food in the oven cavity while also passing through the electronic component unit to provide cooling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional cooling methods are used, then cooling is provided, but electronic component unit cooling efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectronic component cooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the electronic component unit within the natural convection current path, utilizing the vertical temperature gradient created by heating elements. Hot air rises vertically and passes through the electronic components, creating an effective cooling flow path without requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The oven's heating operation automatically generates the cooling effect for electronic components through natural convection. The system self-regulates the cooling process based on its operational state, providing efficient cooling without additional control mechanisms or complex manufacturing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration enables effective cooling of the electronic component unit, specifically the control PCB, while reducing the overall unit cost and enhancing cooling efficiency, thus addressing the inefficiencies of the previous designs.

Implementation Method 1

an air blowing fan provided within the electronic component room to form an air current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

form a flow path for cooling the electronic component room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection Cooling: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12060999B2Oven range
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US12060999B2 patent drawing
  • US12060999B2 patent drawing
  • US12060999B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An oven range is provided that may include a main body that forms an exterior of the oven range; a cavity that forms a space for cooking an item within the main body; a door coupled to the main body to selectively open and close the cavity; a cooktop provided over the main body; and a controller located over the door and at a front end of the cooktop and having an electronic component installed therein, a cooling flow path being formed in the controller to cool the electronic component.