Central Grill Arm Latching for Stable Upper Plate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center arms for contact grilling or roasting devices are prone to undesired closure due to vibrations or external influences, leading to food damage and safety risks, and offer limited usability as the upper plate is only securely fixed in end positions.
Innovation Solution
A center arm with a device for fixing the holding section relative to the support section, featuring an operating element and latching device with grooved discs, allowing the holding section to be fixed in various angular positions, ensuring secure positioning of the upper contact plate and preventing undesired closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the upper contact plate is fixed only in the fully open position using a weight relief mechanism, then the plate is held stable in the end position, but minor vibrations or external influences can cause the plate to close undesirably, damaging food and creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device transitions from a static weight relief mechanism to a dynamic latching system with multiple engagement positions. The operating element can be actively engaged or disengaged, and the latching device provides multiple fixed positions along the arc of movement, allowing the plate to be securely held at any desired angle rather than only at the fully open position.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the holding section and support section. It provides positive mechanical engagement through grooved discs that latch onto corresponding features, creating a reliable connection that prevents undesired movement while allowing controlled positioning.
2Device complexity
If the upper contact plate is fixed only at end positions, then the structure is simple, but the device has limited usability and cannot be used under different extractor hoods or with larger plates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into discrete latching positions along the arc of movement. The grooved discs provide multiple engagement points that divide the continuous range of motion into distinct, selectable positions. This allows the plate to be fixed at various angles to accommodate different extractor hood configurations and plate sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching device with multiple engagement positions provides universal adaptability. The same mechanism can accommodate various plate sizes, weights, and configurations, as well as different extractor hood arrangements. The operating element can engage the latching device at any position along the arc, making the system multi-functional and highly versatile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical fixing device with multiple positions is implemented, then the plate can be secured at any desired angle, but the device complexity increases compared to a simple weight relief mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is nested within the holding section structure. The grooved discs are integrated into the pivotable holding section, and the operating element works within the same structural envelope. This nesting approach allows multiple positioning functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing the overall device size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the interaction of the operating element with the grooved discs. The system uses its own structural features (the grooves and discs) to provide the latching function without requiring external complex mechanisms. The weight of the plate itself assists in the latching action, with the operating element simply needing to initiate the engagement or disengagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a central arm (10) for holding an upper contact grill plate or upper grill plate (11), said central arm (10) having a substantially vertical supporting section (12) and a retaining section (13) which is pivotally mounted on said vertical supporting section (12) and to which the upper contact grill plate or upper grill plate (11) can be fastened. The arm is characterised in that a device (15) for fixing the retaining section (13) in relation to the supporting section (12) is associated with the retaining section (13) and said fixing device (15) comprises an operating element (16) and a detent element (17). The operating element (16) can be engaged with the detent element (17) in order to fix the retaining section (13) in various pivoting positions in relation to the supporting section (12) and can be disengaged from the detent element, allowing the retaining section (13) to pivot freely in relation to the supporting section (12). The invention also relates to a contact grill or grilling device (37) comprising a central arm (10) of this type.