Cooktop Grate Hinge Coupling for Raised and Lowered Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop designs lack flexibility in grate positioning and functionality, as grates are typically fixed or have limited adjustability, which can restrict user convenience and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop assembly with a coupling member that allows a grate to be selectively coupled and operable between a raised and lowered position, featuring pivot members and pins for easy rotation and interchangeability, enabling various configurations such as griddles and grill surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grates are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but user convenience and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed grates into movable, rotatable grates that can be positioned in multiple orientations (raised/lowered, rotated 0-180 degrees). The coupling member with pivot pins enables this dynamic positioning, allowing users to adjust grate positions for different cooking needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grates have limited adjustability, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a coupling member that can accommodate multiple grate configurations and orientations. The same coupling mechanism supports grates in raised and lowered positions, allows rotation for different orientations, and can potentially accommodate different grate types, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Ease of operation
If grates are interchangeable and rotatable, then user convenience and aesthetics are improved, but reliability of secure positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the self-aligning and self-locking features of the coupling mechanism. The pivot pins automatically engage with the coupling member's receiving features when the grate is placed, and the gravitational force combined with the coupling geometry provides automatic positioning and securing without requiring additional fastening operations or complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. At least one coupling member is coupled to the cooktop. A grate, a griddle, or a reversible griddle is selectively coupled to the at least one coupling member and is operable between a raised position and a lowered position when the grate, the griddle, or the reversible griddle, is engaged with the coupling member.