Dual-Pivot Hinge Mechanism for Deep Grill Plate Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grill devices with hinge mechanisms are unstable and aesthetically compromised when using deep grill plates with high peripheral rims, as the hinge mechanisms sway and lack positioning structures, leading to unsafe and bulky designs.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism that connects two objects to allow relative folding and unfolding, featuring a first and second coupling seat, a pivot mounting seat, a first pivot unit, and a second pivot unit, enabling rotation about distinct pivot axes to stabilize the device and accommodate grill plates of varying heights, with the ability to shift between open and closed positions securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional hinge mechanism with single pivot axis is used, then the structure is simple, but the device becomes unstable and unsafe when deep grill plates are employed
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into two independent pivot units (first pivot unit with first pivot axis, and second pivot unit with second pivot axis) instead of a single pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows each pivot unit to independently control the folding motion, providing stability and preventing sway when deep grill plates are used, while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-pivot (one-dimensional rotation) hinge mechanism to a dual-pivot (two-dimensional rotation) system. The first pivot axis and second pivot axis are arranged at different positions and orientations, creating a more complex spatial motion control that eliminates the sway problem and improves reliability without excessive complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deep grill plate with high peripheral rim is used, then the grilling capacity is improved, but the shells cannot be successfully superimposed when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-pivot hinge mechanism provides dynamic motion control during folding, allowing the upper and lower shells to follow a controlled folding trajectory. This dynamic control enables the shells to be successfully superimposed even when deep grill plates with high peripheral rims are used, while maintaining ease of operation through smooth, guided motion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the hinge mechanism (two pivot axes at different positions and angles) to accommodate varying grill plate depths. This parameter adjustment allows the mechanism to adapt to different grill plate configurations, enabling both deep and shallow plate usage while maintaining proper folding alignment
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge mechanism is exposed at two sides of the grill device, then the connection function is achieved, but the outer appearance is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-pivot hinge mechanism is designed to be nested within or integrated into the shell structure, with the first and second pivot units positioned such that they can be concealed within the device boundaries when closed. This nesting approach maintains the connection function while improving the aesthetic appearance by hiding the hinge mechanism from external view
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism of a cooking device for connecting a first object and a second object to allow relative folding and unfolding movements with respect to each other, includes first and second coupling seat respectively connected with the first and second objects, and a pivot mounting seat pivotably connected with the first coupling seat by a first pivot unit, and pivotably connected with the second coupling seat by a second pivot unit. The hinge mechanism is shiftable between an open position and a first closed position, or between the open position and a second closed position to accommodate first objects of various heights.