Sliding Air Filter Holder With Spring Latch for One-Touch Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air filter mounting and demounting mechanisms for over-the-range microwave ovens are prone to breakage and difficulty due to fragile filter handles and require cumbersome processes, making it hard to efficiently clean and replace the air filters.
Innovation Solution
An air filter mounting/demounting apparatus comprising a base plate, air filter bracket, air filter holder, latch unit, and spring, which allows for easy sliding movement and one-touch engagement and disengagement, utilizing a latch unit with a spring mechanism for effortless filter handling and illumination for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a finger is hooked on the filter handle to mount/demount the filter, then the filter can be removed for cleaning, but the filter handle may break or the base plate may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into the filter element and the holder, with the holder being removable from the base plate. This allows the filter to be accessed for cleaning without requiring forceful manipulation of a fragile handle, as the entire holder assembly can be cleanly detached.
Solution Approach 2:
A latch unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the holder and base plate. The latch unit provides a secure engagement point that distributes mounting forces across a larger area of the base plate, preventing localized deformation while allowing easy release for filter removal.
2Ease of operation
If a finger is hooked on the filter handle to mount/demount the filter, then the filter can be removed for cleaning, but the base plate may deform making mounting/demounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch unit serves as a mediator that interfaces between the holder and base plate, providing a secure mounting mechanism that distributes mechanical stresses across a larger area of the base plate. This prevents localized deformation that would occur with direct handle manipulation, while still allowing easy filter removal through latch release.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch unit is pre-configured in an engaged state that secures the holder to the base plate before any removal operation. This preliminary secure mounting prevents base plate deformation during normal operation, and the latch mechanism is designed to release cleanly without requiring forceful actions that could deform the base plate.
3Ease of operation
If a latch unit with spring is used to secure the air filter holder, then the mounting is secure and easy one-touch removal is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch unit is designed to be self-actuating. The spring automatically engages the latch when the holder is mounted and automatically releases it when sufficient insertion force is applied. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems, motors, or multiple manual steps, achieving one-touch operation with minimal complexity.
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
Enables easy and convenient mounting and demounting of air filters with a single touch, enhancing user experience and reducing the risk of damage to the filter handles and base plate, thus improving the overall maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may be installed at an inside the latch unit to deliver an elastic force to the air filter holder
Data Source
AI summary
An air filter mounting/demounting apparatus for a microwave oven having easy mounting and demounting of the air filter is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate having an inlet port through which air is admitted to serve as a hood, an air filter installed at a position corresponding to the inlet port and configured to filter foreign substances being admitted through the inlet port, an air filter bracket coupled to the base plate, an air filter holder at which the air filter is assembled coupled to the air filter bracket to enable a sliding movement along the guide rail, a latch unit configured to be coupled to the base plate to maintain and release engagement of the air filter holder aged, and a spring installed at an inside the latch unit to deliver an elastic force to the air filter holder.