Grill Plate Hinge Track Structure for Even One-Hand Pressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grilling devices are limited in functionality, ease of use, and ergonomics, restricting the types of food items that can be cooked and the cooking methods employed, with inadequate evenness in pressing force and requiring two-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance with a lower housing and upper housing connected via 'n' shaped guide tracks and positioning mechanisms, allowing for smooth, single-handed operation and even pressing force, enabling various cooking positions and functions like single or double side grilling and pizza cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge structures are used to connect upper and lower housings, then the device structure is simple, but the operation requires two hands and the movement is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
A guide track is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper and lower housings. The guide track includes a guide portion that guides movement of the upper housing during opening/closing, and a positioning portion that provides positioning at predetermined positions. This intermediary structure enables smooth, controlled movement and single-hand operation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spacing between upper and lower housing is used, then the structure is stable, but the cooking appliance cannot perform various cooking functions
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing between upper and lower housings is made dynamic through the guide track mechanism. The guide track allows the upper housing to move to different positions (opened, closed, and intermediate positions) while maintaining stable positioning at each predetermined location. This dynamic positioning capability enables various cooking functions while ensuring stability when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track structure provides multi-functionality by enabling both movement control and positioning functions. It allows the device to perform multiple cooking operations (grilling, toasting, warming) by positioning the upper housing at different heights, making the device adaptable to various cooking needs while maintaining structural stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple heating plates are used, then the device structure is simple, but the heating is not even and pressing force is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The heating plates are designed with local quality variations to achieve even heating. The heating elements are strategically positioned and distributed across the heating plate surfaces to ensure uniform heat distribution. Additionally, the pressing force is distributed evenly through the heating plate design, ensuring consistent contact with food items across the entire cooking surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the upper housing is always in contact with the lower housing, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different food items
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between upper and lower housings is made dynamic through the guide track mechanism. The upper housing can be positioned in multiple states: fully closed for contact heating, partially opened for different food sizes, or fully opened for cleaning and storage. The guide track ensures smooth transitions between these positions while maintaining stable positioning, enabling accommodation of various food items without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a lower housing having a first heating plate, a pair of opposed frame members operatively connected to the lower housing, the frame members including a guide track formed therein, and an upper housing having a second heating plate and a guiding wheel on opposed sides of the upper housing. The guiding wheel is received in the guide track such that the upper housing is selectively movable along the guide track.