Clamshell Griddle Upper Plate Biasing to Eliminate Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamshell griddle systems require improvements for ease of operator use and adaptability to existing product lines, particularly in facilitating the movement of upper griddle plates between cooking and access positions.
Innovation Solution
A griddle mechanism with a support column and arm assembly, featuring a biased linkage arrangement that includes a lower and upper linkage, where the biasing members provide an upward force to move the upper griddle plate from a cooking position to an access position, eliminating the need for a locking mechanism and allowing for easy manual adjustment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking assembly is used to secure the upper griddle plate in cooking position, then the reliability of the cooking position is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking assembly entirely from the system. Instead of using a locking mechanism to secure the upper griddle plate, the design relies on the biasing arrangement to automatically maintain the plate in the cooking position through continuous upward force, eliminating the need for separate locking components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing arrangement provides self-servicing functionality by automatically maintaining the upper griddle plate in the cooking position without requiring operator intervention for locking or unl latching. The spring continuously exerts upward force to counteract gravity and maintain plate position, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking assembly is used to secure the upper griddle plate, then the reliability of cooking position is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking assembly entirely from the system. Instead of using a locking mechanism to secure the upper griddle plate, the design relies on the biasing arrangement to automatically maintain the plate in the cooking position through continuous upward force, eliminating the need for separate locking components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing arrangement provides self-servicing functionality by automatically maintaining the upper griddle plate in the cooking position without requiring operator intervention for locking or unl latching. The spring continuously exerts upward force to counteract gravity and maintain plate position, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the upper griddle plate is manually moved to raised location, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time occurs due to manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-based biasing arrangement that acts as a counterweight system, providing continuous upward force to offset the weight of the upper griddle plate. This allows the plate to be easily moved between cooking and access positions with minimal operator effort, and automatically returns to the cooking position when released, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual adjustment compared to systems requiring locking mechanisms.
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 solution enables efficient two-sided cooking with reduced operator attention and improved food texture, as the upper griddle plate can be easily raised and lowered, facilitating food handling and cooking without the need for additional locking mechanisms, enhancing user convenience and cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the lower linkage comprises a biasing member exerting a biasing force toward the intermediate pivot axis so as to cause the upper linkage to exert a rotational force about the first fixed pivot axis that urges the arm assembly to pivot about the fixed pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A griddle apparatus, includes a lower cooking plate and an upper cooking plate, where the upper cooking plate is mounted for movement relative to the lower cooking plate between a lower cooking position and an upper access position by a biasing arrangement that provides an upward force sufficient to move the upper cooking plate up to the upper access position once the upper cooking plate has been manually moved to a set raised location between the lower cooking position and the upper access position.