Cooker Twist-Grip Rail Control to Prevent Front-Panel Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual control mechanisms for domestic cookers, such as gas or electric rings, often require rotation about axes that are not ergonomic or efficient, particularly when mounted on the front face, leading to potential jamming and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A manual control mechanism operable by rotation about a substantially horizontal axis parallel to the front face, featuring a tubular twist grip with a latching mechanism and cam track, allowing smooth operation and preventing jamming, integrated into a cylindrical rail on the cooker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control mechanisms are mounted on the front face with knobs rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the front face, then the control panel can be vertical or inclined, but the operation may not be ergonomic and may lead to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional control mechanism design by rotating the control action 90 degrees. Instead of rotating knobs about an axis perpendicular to the front face, the control mechanism rotates about a horizontal axis parallel to the front face. This inversion allows the control to be operated by a twisting motion that is more ergonomic and eliminates the jamming issues associated with the conventional vertical rotation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a tubular twist grip is used rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to the front face, then ergonomic operation is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases with latching members and cam tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer sleeve, an inner member, a latching member, and a cam track. Each component has a specific function - the outer sleeve provides the gripping surface, the inner member contains the latching mechanism, and the cam track guides the rotational movement. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the ergonomic benefits of the horizontal rotation design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member acts as an intermediary between the user's twisting motion and the control valve. It engages with the cam track to translate the rotational movement into the appropriate control action while preventing reverse movement. This intermediary mechanism provides smooth operation and prevents jamming without requiring a overly complex design.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple axially aligned control mechanisms are formed in a cylindrical rail, then space efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control mechanisms are merged into a single cylindrical rail structure. The controls are axially aligned within the rail, combining what would traditionally be separate mounting locations into one integrated component. This merging reduces the overall space required on the cooker front while maintaining individual control functionality for each heating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical rail serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the control mechanisms, defines the axial alignment of multiple controls, and integrates the mounting function into a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed and simplifies the overall assembly process despite the complex appearance.
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 provides a user-friendly, jam-free operation of heating units by allowing easy rotation of the twist grip, ensuring efficient control of gas or electric heating sources while maintaining a compact and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pin which is engaged by a spring to bias the pin to its outer pivotal position
Implementation Method 2
The latching member 17 is pivotally mounted on the inner member 14 by a fixing pin 18
Data Source
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AI summary
A manual control mechanism for a heating unit of a domestic cooker (1) having a front face is in the form of a twist grip (11, 12, 13) operable by rotation about a substantially horizontal axis parallel to the front face of the cooker. A plurality of such control mechanisms arc provided in a rail (7) mounted on the front of the cooker.