Cooking Device Hinge-Integrated Lid Detection for Automated Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial kitchen lids are difficult to manage due to their size and weight, requiring manual placement and often needing separate storage, and there is a need for a reliable and low-maintenance mechanism to adjust and monitor lid openings for different cooking methods.

Innovation Solution

A cooking device with a hinge mechanism that allows easy pivoting of the lid, integrated detection of the lid's open or closed state, and a detection device protected within the hinge housing to ensure durability and reliability, along with a spring force adjustment for varying lid weights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hinge mechanism is introduced to facilitate lid placement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid placementVSAvoidhinge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is integrated into the hinge mechanism housing, combining two functional components (detection and hinging) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting space and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining ease of lid placement operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism automatically detects the lid opening state through the integrated detection device, eliminating the need for separate manual monitoring or additional control systems. The system self-monitors its own state, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the detection device is integrated into the hinge housing, then reliability is improved through protection from external influences, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection device protectionVSAvoidhousing integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is nested within the hinge housing, placing one component inside another. This provides natural protection for the detection device while utilizing existing housing structures, reducing the need for additional protective manufacturing features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge housing serves dual functions: it provides the mechanical hinging function and simultaneously serves as the protective enclosure for the detection device. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity compared to creating separate dedicated housings for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If separate storage space is provided for the lid, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid storageVSAvoidstorage mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage function for the lid is merged with the hinge mechanism itself. When the lid is opened, it is automatically held in the open position by the hinge mechanism, eliminating the need for separate storage space. The hinge structure provides both the pivoting function and the storage function in one integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy and reliable adjustment of lid openings, automates cooking processes, and ensures precise monitoring of lid positions, enhancing efficiency in commercial kitchens.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge device (4) that pivotally connects the lid device (3) to the pot device (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a detection device (5) for detecting an open state of the lid device (3), wherein the detection device is arranged in the area of the hinge device (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4696203A1Cooking device
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4696203A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696203A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696203A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cooking device according to the invention comprises a pot device with a housing, a lid device for closing the pot device, a hinge device with a hinge housing that pivotably connects the lid device to the top device, and a detection device for detecting an open state of the lid device, wherein the detection device is arranged in the area of ​​the hinge device.