Cooking device comprising a bezel coupling system with better alignment of knobs and method of assembling such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooking devices face challenges in achieving well-aligned assembly of frame-plates between knobs and hot panels or cooktops, often requiring assembly molds or screws, which are not practical for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A cooking device design featuring a surface with openings for gas flow control valves and frame-plates with central orifices and protuberances that allow for a snap-fit connection, eliminating the need for screws or molds by using an interference fit and audible 'click' for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If frame-plates are attached using screws or assembly molds, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for screws and assembly molds from the frame-plate attachment process. By designing a self-aligning frame-plate with an elongated slot that fits over a protrusion on the hot panel, the invention removes complex fastening components while maintaining precise alignment through the inherent geometry of the slot-protrusion interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame-plate design enables self-alignment and self-attachment to the hot panel. The elongated slot automatically orients itself relative to the protrusion during installation, and the frame-plate secures itself without requiring external fasteners or specialized assembly tools, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring precise alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If frame-plates are attached using screws or assembly molds, then alignment precision is improved, but assembly time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screws and assembly molds from the attachment process, replacing them with a simple slot-protrusion mechanical interface. This extraction of complex components enables rapid installation of frame-plates while maintaining alignment precision through the geometric relationship between the elongated slot and the fixed protrusion position on the hot panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame-plate performs self-alignment and self-securing functions through its elongated slot design that naturally orients to the protrusion during installation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming fastening operations with screws or specialized molding processes, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring consistent alignment.
3Shape
If frame-plates are made to cover gaps aesthetically, then appearance quality is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame-plate incorporates an asymmetric elongated slot design that provides aesthetic coverage while facilitating alignment. The slot's specific orientation and dimensions are asymmetrically configured to match the protrusion geometry, creating a visual appearance that conceals gaps effectively while the asymmetric shape itself guides proper alignment during installation without requiring additional alignment procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the technological field of cooking devices, and more particularly to a cooking device that includes a surface (2) having an opening (3) and a gas flow control valve including a rod (4) that extends through the opening (3) of the surface (2). A knob (5) may be arrayed on the surface (2) to cooperate with the rod (4). A frame-plate (6) may be arrayed between the knob (5) and the surface (2). The frame-plate (6) includes a central orifice (7) that allows passage of the rod (4) there through and is rotatable around the rod (4) to align the frame-plate (6) relative to the surface (2).