Grill Lift Lever Alignment Using a Torsional Spring Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grills are inconvenient as the upper grill unit and lift lever do not align properly, causing oil from the upper grill unit to drip onto the lower unit or outside, making cleaning difficult.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic limit mechanism with a torsional spring, fixation piece, and limit rib between the lift lever and upper grill unit, which ensures the upper grill unit and lift lever reset to a preset position, allowing oil to drip directly into an oil pan by utilizing a torsional spring torque and precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the upper grill unit and lift lever are connected with a pivot joint allowing free movement, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the alignment between the upper grill unit and lift lever cannot be maintained, causing oil to drip outside the oil pan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic limit mechanism that changes the mechanical parameter of the connection between the upper grill unit and lift lever. The torsional spring provides a predetermined elastic force that maintains a specific cross angle between components, transforming the free-pivot state into a controlled elastic connection state, thereby preventing oil spillage while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic limit mechanism applies a preliminary elastic force through the torsional spring to prevent the harmful effect of misalignment before it occurs. The spring pre-establishes the correct cross angle between the upper grill unit and lift lever, counteracting any tendency toward misalignment that would cause oil to drip outside the pan
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper grill unit and lift lever are fixed at a specific angle, then oil alignment is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with additional limiting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex mechanical limiters, the patent changes the parameter of the connection by introducing an elastic element. The torsional spring provides automatic angular control through its elastic properties, maintaining the preset cross angle without requiring additional limiting structures, thus achieving oil alignment while keeping the mechanism simple
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic limit mechanism is self-regulating through the torsional spring's inherent elastic properties. The spring automatically maintains the preset cross angle between the upper grill unit and lift lever without requiring external control systems or complex mechanical limiters, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain proper alignment
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lift lever and upper grill unit are allowed to cross at different angles during operation, then the range of motion is increased, but the preset position cannot be maintained, making the grill inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameter of the connection by introducing elastic resistance through the torsional spring. This allows the lift lever to move through different angles during operation while the spring continuously exerts force to return the system to the preset cross angle position, maintaining both range of motion and operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic limit mechanism transforms the static fixed-angle connection into a dynamic elastic connection. The torsional spring allows temporary deviation from the preset angle during operation but automatically restores the predetermined cross angle between the upper grill unit and lift lever, providing both movement flexibility and position stability
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
The solution effectively keeps the upper grill unit and lift lever aligned, ensuring oil from the upper grill unit drips directly into the oil pan, enhancing cleanliness and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic limit mechanism is disposed between said lift lever and said upper grill unit, the elastic limit mechanism includes a torsional spring, a fixation piece and a limit rib; the two ends of said torsional spring are separately connected to the upper grill unit and the lift lever, the torque of said torsional spring works on the fixation piece and the limit rib to make the two contact and limit
Data Source
AI summary
A grill has an upper and a lower grill unit and a lift lever. The lower of the lift lever is pivot jointed to the lower grill unit. The upper grill unit is pivot jointed to the lift lever. An elastic limit mechanism which has a torsional spring, a fixation piece and a limit rib, is disposed between the lift lever and the upper grill unit. The fixation piece is fixed to the upper grill unit, the limit rib is fixed to the lift lever, the fixation piece is coupled to the limit rib; the two ends of the torsional spring are separately connected to the upper grill unit and the lift lever, the torque of the torsional spring works on the fixation piece and the limit rib to make the two contact and limit.