Grill Hinge Assembly with Removable Lid Bracket for Accessory Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill hinges do not allow for easy removal and reinstallation of the lid from the base, making initial assembly difficult and limiting the use of accessories that require lid removal, such as rotisserie accessories.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly comprising a stationary bowl bracket, a pivoting middle bracket, and a removable lid bracket that can be secured to the middle bracket using a spring-assisted mechanism, allowing for safe and convenient removal and reinstallation of the lid, with features like a lid lock slot and alignment pins for secure attachment and a stop to limit lid opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge secures the lid to the bowl to enable easy opening and closing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lid cannot be removed for accessory installation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into three separate brackets: a stationary bowl bracket attached to the bowl, a middle bracket that pivots on the bowl bracket, and a removable lid bracket attached to the lid. This segmentation allows the lid bracket to be detached from the middle bracket, enabling lid removal for accessory installation while maintaining hinge functionality when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The middle bracket is designed to pivot relative to the stationary bowl bracket, providing dynamic movement that enables the lid to open and close. This pivoting mechanism maintains ease of operation while allowing the lid bracket to be removed when needed for accessories
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is made removable for accessory use, then the adaptability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge into three separate brackets, the design allows for modular assembly and disassembly. The lid bracket can be easily attached to or removed from the middle bracket, providing accessory compatibility without requiring complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The middle bracket serves as an intermediary component between the stationary bowl bracket and the removable lid bracket. This intermediate element facilitates easy connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity, reducing overall assembly complexity
3Reliability
If the lid bracket is securely attached to the middle bracket, then the reliability is improved, but the removal and reinstallation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lid bracket is designed with dynamic attachment characteristics - it can be easily attached to and removed from the middle bracket when needed, yet maintains secure and reliable connection during normal operation. The pivoting middle bracket facilitates this controlled attachment and detachment
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 easy and safe removal and reinstallation of the grill lid, facilitating the use of accessories and improving the ease of assembly and disassembly, while ensuring the lid can be securely attached to the bowl.
Implementation Method 1
In addition, at least one spring may be provided, the spring connected at one end to a spring flange on the bowl bracket and the other end connected to a spring flange on the middle bracket, the spring assisting in opening the lid.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for use on a grill that permits the selective removal of the lid from the bowl, the hinge assembly including a stationary bowl bracket affixed to the bowl, a pivotable middle bracket pivotably mounted to the bowl bracket and a removable lid bracket affixed to the lid and removably secured to the middle bracket.