Cooktop Grate Hinge Mechanism for Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooktops with grates lack versatility and ease of use, as they do not allow for efficient interchangeability and positioning of grates and griddles, limiting user flexibility and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A cooktop design featuring a coupling member with pins and pivot members that allows grates and griddles to be selectively and rotatably positioned between raised and lowered states, enabling easy interchange and optimal configuration based on user preference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If grates are fixed in position on the cooktop, then structural stability is improved, but versatility and ease of interchangeability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidversatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed grates into movable, rotatable grates that can pivot between a lowered cooking position and a raised storage position. The coupling member with pin and cavity mechanism enables this dynamic movement, allowing the grate to transition between different states (lowered/raised, engaged/disengaged) rather than remaining static. This resolves the contradiction by providing both structural stability when lowered and versatility when raised for interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If grates are made permanently attached to the cooktop, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and interchangeability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of interchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the grate assembly into separable components: the grate body and the coupling member. The coupling member itself is segmented into a body with a cavity and a separate pin that engages with the cavity. This segmentation allows the grate to be reliably attached when needed while enabling easy detachment and interchangeability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grates are stored on the cooktop surface, then adaptability is improved, but the cooktop surface area available for cooking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcooktop surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by moving grate storage from the horizontal cooktop surface to a vertical orientation. Grates are stored in a raised position where they extend upward from the cooktop surface rather than lying flat on it. This utilizes the vertical dimension for storage, freeing up horizontal cooktop surface area while maintaining adaptability through the ability to quickly lower and engage grates when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11873996B2Cooktop with hinged grates

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 WHIRLPOOL CORP

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.