Collapsible Grill Cart Assembly With Cam Locks Against Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill carts are not portable or easy to set up due to large frameworks and complex assembly processes, and lack safety features to prevent unintentional collapse or injury during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible grill cart with a base frame and side frames that can be easily assembled and secured using cam locks, preventing premature attachment of the grill until the cart is fully assembled and secured, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional grill framework is used, then the grill is stable and strong, but it is not portable and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The grill cart framework is divided into separate modular components including side frames, base frame, and support structures that can be independently assembled. The side frames are separable from the base frame, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The side frames are designed to be movable between a collapsed position (parallel to the base frame) and an upright position (perpendicular to the base frame). This dynamic configuration allows the cart to transition from a compact storage state to a functional cooking state, improving portability while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the grill framework is made collapsible, then portability is improved, but safety features to prevent unintentional collapse are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
Cam locks are installed on the side frames to prevent premature attachment of the grill before the cart is fully assembled and secured. These locking mechanisms are positioned to extend upwardly, physically blocking the attachment process until the cart structure is stable and ready to support the grill weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam locks are engaged in advance during the assembly process to secure the side frames to the base frame before the grill is attached. This preliminary securing action ensures the cart framework is stable and ready to bear the grill's weight, preventing unintentional collapse during operation.
3Productivity
If cam locks are used to secure the cart, then assembly time is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam locks are designed to be manually operated by the user during assembly, providing a simple self-service locking mechanism. The cam-shaped locking surfaces allow for quick engagement and disengagement without requiring tools or complex operating procedures, maintaining ease of use while providing secure fastening.
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 collapsible grill cart can be assembled in under three minutes without tools, providing a safe and portable solution for grill support that prevents unintentional collapse and enhances portability by allowing quick deployment and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The cam locks advantageously can provide a mechanical advantage, preferably at least 5:1, such that rotation of the cam lock does not require substantial strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact and easy to assemble grill cart to support a collapsible grill cart that includes a base portion, to which side frames can be coupled, and that permits the grill cart to be stored in a compact, folded configuration. The side frames of the cart can be expanded or unfolded to provide a stable structure that can support a cooking unit, such as a grill, grill insert, or firebox. Such a collapsible grill cart can also include doors that provide enclosed storage space within the expanded cart and wheels to facilitate transportation.