Electric Range Bracket Recess for Heating Unit Wire Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional induction heating-type electric ranges face issues with electric wire disconnection due to pressure from the heating unit, leading to operational errors and potential fire hazards when the wire is not properly secured between the heating unit and the upper plate.

Innovation Solution

A recessed portion is formed on the upper bracket to accommodate the electric wire, preventing interference and ensuring secure mounting of the heating unit, thereby minimizing the risk of disconnection and enhancing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the electric wire is placed in the space of the heating unit, then the wire can be connected to the temperature sensor, but the wire may be withdrawn from the space and interfere with the heating unit and upper plate when mounted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wire installationVSAvoidwire connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mounting structure into segments by creating a dedicated groove in the upper plate for the electric wire. This segmentation isolates the wire from the heating unit's mounting space, allowing the wire to be routed and secured in a separate channel that prevents displacement during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove acts as an intermediary structure between the electric wire and the upper plate. It provides a dedicated pathway that mediates the wire's position, preventing direct contact with the heating unit while ensuring the wire remains securely connected to the temperature sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the heating unit is mounted on the upper plate, then the heating unit can function, but pressure may be applied to the electric wire causing disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating unit operationVSAvoidwire connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove segments the mounting area, creating a distinct channel for the electric wire that is separated from the heating unit's contact area with the upper plate. This ensures that the pressure from mounting the heating unit is directed only to the heating unit itself, not to the wire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove introduces a dimensional solution by creating a subsurface channel rather than attempting to manage wire positioning in the same plane as the heating unit mounting. This vertical dimensionality change allows the wire to be protected beneath the surface level of the upper plate.

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

3Ease of operation

If the electric wire is disposed on the close contact portion, then the wire may be easily connected, but the wire interferes with the heating unit and upper plate causing operational errors and fire hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire connection easeVSAvoidfire hazard and operational error
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electric wire from the dangerous close-contact area between the heating unit and upper plate by routing it through a groove. This removal from the harmful zone eliminates the risk of the wire being compressed, disconnected, or causing fire hazards while maintaining its electrical connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove, which initially appears as merely a structural feature, is converted into a protective element that benefits the wire by providing mechanical protection and proper routing. The structure that defines the upper plate's geometry becomes the solution that prevents harm to the wire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The solution effectively prevents electric wire interference with the heating unit, ensuring normal operation, reducing the risk of fire accidents, and improving the rigidity and EMC/EMI performance of the electric range.

Implementation Method 1

In the induction heating method, high-frequency power is applied to a coil to generate a magnetic field around the coil, and an eddy current generated in the generated magnetic field is used to heat an object to be heated made of a metallic material.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

high-frequency power is applied to a coil to generate a magnetic field around the coil, and an eddy current generated in the generated magnetic field is used to heat an object to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

The temperature sensor 60 is installed to measure a temperature of the heating unit 30 while the electric range is driven

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4096363A1Electric range
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4096363A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4096363A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4096363A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electric range is provided, in which a portion of a bracket, which is configured to support at least one heating unit, is bent downward. More specifically, the at least one heating unit may be mounted in a specific region on the bracket, and a recessed portion which is downwardly formed may be formed in a portion of the specific region. Accordingly, an electric wire disposed between the at least one heating unit and the bracket may be accommodated or disposed in the recessed portion, so that interference between the electric wire disposed between the at least one heating unit and the bracket and the at least one heating unit may be prevented.