Grill height adjustment and indicator mechanism and methods of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grills lack precise control over cooking temperature due to the inability to reliably adjust the distance between the cooking surface and the heat source, especially under varying environmental conditions, and there is a need for a visual and audible indication mechanism to facilitate precise grill height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A grill height adjustment mechanism with a visual and audible indication system, where a gearbox converts rotational force from a crank into vertical movement of the grill rack, and an audible member contacts a contact wheel to provide incremental sound cues as the rack height is adjusted, allowing for precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If adjustable height grill racks are used to control cooking temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to component wear and environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motor rotates a threaded rod that moves the grill rack vertically through a nut mechanism, eliminating wear-prone manual components while maintaining precise height control for temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sensor system that detects the height position of the grill rack and provides feedback to a control unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable and repeatable positioning, compensating for any mechanical play or environmental variations in the system.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of visual indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators on the grill rack or support structure to indicate specific height positions. Different colors correspond to predetermined heights, allowing users to quickly and accurately set the desired position without complex measurements or calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual adjustment with an electric motor system that can be controlled to move the rack to precise heights. The motor's controlled rotation of the threaded rod provides accurate positioning, substituting mechanical precision with electromechanical control.
3Device complexity
If no height indication system is provided, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying grill height settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements color-coded markings or indicators that visually signal different height positions of the grill rack. Users can easily identify the desired height setting by matching the color indicator, making operation intuitive and eliminating the need for numerical measurements or complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms such as position sensors or indicators that show the current height of the grill rack in real-time. This feedback allows users to confirm the rack is at the desired position, making the adjustment process easier and more reliable without adding significant complexity.
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
Enables users to easily control cooking temperature by providing a reliable and precise method for adjusting the grill height, enhancing usability in both commercial and outdoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyance shaft may have a threaded portion, and the adjustable grill rack may be connected to a conveyance traveling member having threads operably engageable with the threaded portion of the conveyance shaft, such that a rotational force of the conveyance shaft may be converted to a vertical directional movement of the adjustable grill rack.
Implementation Method 2
The audible position indicator may include an audible member to contact a separately rotatably mounted contact wheel and/or to a portion of the abovementioned indication portion. When a rotational force is translated to the contact wheel and/or the indication portion, for example, an audible indication may be emitted at set increments as the grill rack height is adjusted.
Data Source
AI summary
A grill height adjustment and height indication apparatus for indicating the height setting of a grill, the grill height indication apparatus including a height indicator driving portion operatively connected to a grill height adjustment crank. The apparatus further includes an indication portion, having a plurality of incremental markings, for indicating a grill height. The indicator driving portion drives the indication portion to display a first incremental marking for a first grill height and the height indicator driving portion drives the indication portion to display a second incremental marking for at least a second grill height different from the first grill height. The indication apparatus may further include an audible indication portion that produces an audible tone at set increments as the grill height adjustment crank is rotated.