Clamshell Griddle Gap Adjustment Mechanism for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamshell griddle systems lack an efficient and user-friendly mechanism for adjusting the gap between the upper and lower griddle plates, which is essential for optimal two-sided cooking and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A gap adjustment mechanism integrated into the arm assembly of the upper griddle plate, allowing for manual adjustment via a rotating component with perceivable feedback, enabling one-handed operation and maintaining consistent weight distribution of the upper griddle plate across various gap settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap adjustment mechanism is added to the arm assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing arm assembly structure, combining the adjustment function with the mounting structure rather than adding a separate independent mechanism. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism uses a rotating component with perceivable feedback that allows operators to easily adjust gap settings without requiring complex controls or multiple steps. The mechanism serves itself by providing tactile feedback during adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating component is used for gap adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating component incorporates perceivable feedback mechanisms that provide tactile or audible signals to the operator during adjustment, ensuring accurate gap positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the rotating elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjustment of gap parameters through rotation while maintaining acceptable manufacturing tolerances by using the rotational motion to achieve precise positioning through feedback rather than relying solely on high-precision manufacturing of the rotating component.
3Ease of operation
If the gap adjustment mechanism is located toward the front side of the arm assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is positioned at a specific location on the arm assembly (toward the front side but rearwardly of the handle) where it provides optimal accessibility to operators while minimizing impact on overall weight distribution and balance of the moving arm assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A griddle apparatus includes a lower griddle plate, and an upper griddle plate mounted on arm assembly for movement relative to the lower griddle plate between a lower cooking position and an upper access position. The arm assembly carries a gap adjustment mechanism that includes a plurality of gap defining orientations, and the gap adjustment mechanism moves with the arm assembly.