Oven Shelf Support Assembly With Sheet-Metal Runners for Easy Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oven racks are complex to manufacture, prone to discoloration at high temperatures, and difficult to clean due to material limitations and elongated rod constructions, which affects their performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An extendable shelf support assembly using metal sheets with a channel and finger configuration, allowing for adjustable height and easy cleaning, and coated with protective materials like ceramic or Teflon to withstand high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional elongated rod constructions are used for oven racks, then the racks can support utensils and allow air flow, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate rod components into a single integrated sheet metal construction. The shelf support assembly is formed from one continuous piece of sheet metal that is stamped and formed to create the support legs, shelf surface, and structural framework, eliminating the need for welding multiple rods together and significantly simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sheet metal (a thin film material) to create the entire shelf support assembly. The sheet metal is formed and shaped to provide the necessary structural support, replacing the traditional rigid rod construction with a more manufacturable thin-gauge metal approach that maintains strength while enabling stamping and forming processes
2Reliability
If conventional rod constructions are used for oven racks, then the racks can be constructed with support features, but the cleaning and appearance are compromised due to discoloration and food deposit accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The smooth sheet metal construction provides a continuous surface without the joints, welds, or crevices present in rod constructions. This smooth surface prevents food deposit accumulation and allows for easy wiping and cleaning, while the thin metal gauge enables uniform heating and reduced discoloration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a non-stick coating (such as Teflon or ceramic coating) to the sheet metal shelf support assembly. This composite material combination provides both the structural support of metal and the non-stick, easy-clean properties of the coating, preventing food adherence and simplifying maintenance
3Strength
If elongated rods are welded together to form racks, then the racks can provide structural support, but additional features like handles and support structures increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single sheet metal component. The shelf support assembly includes integrated support legs, shelf surface, and structural framework all formed from one piece of metal, eliminating the need for separate handles and support structures that would require additional welding and assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet metal construction serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the shelf surface for placing utensils, creates the support legs for structural strength, and forms the framework for stability, all in a single unified component that simplifies both manufacturing and design
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
Simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces discoloration, and enhances cleaning efficiency by using a metal sheet configuration with protective coatings, providing a durable and easy-to-maintain oven shelf.
Implementation Method 1
coated with protective materials like ceramic or Teflon to withstand high temperatures
Implementation Method 2
one or more coatings for protection and self-cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf support assembly is provided that may be used with an oven appliance having protrusions along the walls of the cabinet for suspending the shelf support assembly therebetween. The shelf support assembly can include on each side a metal sheet configured to support a shelf that can be selectively extended from within the oven cavity. The shelf support assembly can be provided with one or more coatings for protection and self-cleaning. An appliance incorporating such a shelf support assembly is also provided.