Cooking apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unintentional operation of the knob assembly in cooking apparatuses can lead to malfunctions, fires, and burns.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a knob assembly that includes a locking device with a locker that moves between a locking and unlocking position, requiring an additional button operation to turn the knob, and a regulator device that restricts movement unless the button is pressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knob assembly is provided for controlling the heating device, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional operation may occur causing malfunctions, fires, and burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by requiring the user to press the button before turning the knob. This preliminary button press activates the shaft to a position where rotation is enabled, preventing unintentional operation. The button press is performed in advance of the actual control action (knob turning), ensuring intentional use only.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into two distinct operations: a button press operation and a knob turning operation. The button press moves the shaft from a first position to a second position, while the knob turning operates the heating device. This segmentation separates the activation step from the control step, preventing accidental activation.
2Reliability
If a locking device with a locker is added to prevent unintentional operation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the existing knob assembly structure. The locker is integrated into the knob body, and the button is incorporated into the same assembly. This merging approach allows the locking function to be added without creating a completely separate mechanism, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device operates automatically based on the button press state. When the button is pressed, the shaft moves to enable knob rotation; when the button is released, the shaft returns to restrict rotation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional motors or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while providing safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking apparatus including: a heat source; a control panel; a regulator body capable of operating the heating source and positioned adjacent to the control panel; a shaft coupled to the regulator body so as to be movable to a first shaft position where rotation with respect to the regulator body is restricted or a second shaft position where rotation relative to the regulator body is possible to operate the heating source; and a knob coupled to the shaft to be movable with the shaft; and a locking device provided on the knob, wherein the locking device includes a locker that is movable to a locking position where the locker is inserted into the control panel to prevent rotation of the knob while the shaft is in the second shaft position or an unlocking position where the locker is separated from the control panel to allow rotation of the knob.