Articulating Oven Rack Using Cam-Driven Linkage for Vertical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cooking appliances with oven racks require users to bend down to place and retrieve heavy dishes from the cooking compartment, as the racks are fixed in a single horizontal plane, making it difficult to access the elevated areas.
Innovation Solution
An articulating rack system integrated into the cooking appliance, featuring a motor-driven mechanism with cams and linkage members that allows the oven rack to pivot between a lowered and raised position, enabling easier access by changing its elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the oven rack is fixed in a single horizontal plane, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user must bend down to access heavy dishes, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed, static rack into a movable, dynamic structure. The rack is equipped with a motor-driven mechanism that enables it to change its position between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. This dynamic capability allows the rack to adapt to different user needs, eliminating the need for users to bend down and improving ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by adding vertical movement capability to the traditional horizontal rack structure. The rack can now move along the vertical axis, transitioning between different elevation levels. This additional degree of freedom in the vertical dimension enables the rack to be raised to an accessible height or lowered to a stowed position, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the rack is raised to an elevated position for easier access, then ease of operation improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rack system into distinct functional modules: the rack structure itself, the linkage mechanism with multiple linkage members, the drive shaft with cam, and the motor. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex mechanism more manageable, maintainable, and easier to manufacture while achieving the desired raised position for improved accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as the linkage members and cam mechanism that mediate between the motor's rotational motion and the rack's vertical movement. These intermediaries transform the rotational motion of the motor into the linear vertical motion required to raise and lower the rack, enabling the complex function of elevation change while maintaining a structured and organized mechanical system.
3Productivity
If a motor-driven mechanism is added to move the rack, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the motor-driven mechanism that automatically raises and lowers the rack without requiring manual effort from the user. The motor, controlled by a simple user interface, performs the work of lifting heavy dishes and racks, making the system serve itself by eliminating the need for users to physically strain themselves. This automation significantly improves productivity in loading and unloading operations while the self-contained nature of the motor mechanism keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
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 articulating rack system provides improved accessibility by allowing the oven rack to be raised or lowered, reducing the strain of loading and unloading heavy items and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the first drive shaft may include a first cam... the first cam may be spaced radially outward from a rotational axis of the first drive shaft... the first cam may be spaced radially outward from a rotational axis of the first drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first linkage members pivotably connecting at least one side wall of the opposing side walls to a wire rack... the plurality of first linkage members and the wire rack may be positionable between a lowered position within the cooking compartment and a raised position deployed from the cooking compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of articulating a rack for a cooking appliance between a lowered position and a raised position. One or more cams drive one or more linkage members pivotably connected to the rack. One or more drive mechanisms may be used to pivot the one or more cams.