Air fryer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air fryers pose inconvenience due to the cumbersome and hot lid after cooking, making disposal and storage challenging for users.

Innovation Solution

An air fryer design featuring a removable lid assembly with a support structure that allows for easy placement and storage, incorporating a plate-shaped base with locking members and reinforcing ribs, enabling the lid to be securely fastened or easily retrieved, and featuring a heat-resistant material to prevent burns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid assembly is made detachable for easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the lid becomes cumbersome to dispose due to high temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of lid removalVSAvoidhigh temperature of lid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid assembly is segmented into a lid body and a separate support structure. The support structure remains attached to the main body while the lid body can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the lid to be detached for easy operation while the support structure stays to provide safety functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support structure acts as an intermediary between the lid assembly and the main body. This support structure includes heat-resistant materials and locking members that manage the thermal hazard, allowing the lid to be removed safely while the support structure absorbs and manages the high temperature effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lid assembly is made detachable for easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but storage and placement become inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of lid removalVSAvoidstorage and placement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the lid during operation, acts as a storage holder when the lid is removed, and offers placement stability on countertops. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure adaptable to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions between different operational modes - during cooking it provides structural support, after cooking it becomes a storage holder for the lid, and can be placed on countertops for stable disposal. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle different stages of use effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If locking members are added to secure the lid, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid securing reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Locking members are added only at specific critical locations where the lid connects to the support structure, rather than throughout the entire assembly. This localized approach provides necessary reliability for securing the lid while minimizing the overall structural complexity of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230276982A1Air fryer

Publication Date: 2023.09.07 INSTANT BRANDS INC

AI summary

An air fryer comprises a main body and a lid assembly. The lid assembly is operable to removably cover the main body. The air fryer comprises a support structure removably assembled to the lid assembly; wherein the support structure is operable to be seated on a working surface for supporting the lid assembly, thereby providing convenient placement of the lid assembly.