Grill Plate with Projection-Based Locking for Wire Rack Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill plates for ovens are not securely positioned on wire racks, leading to improper heat distribution and potential hazards during insertion or removal, as they can shift or tip, causing uneven cooking and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A grill plate with downward projections on its bottom surface that engage with the wire rack's tines, preventing translation in multiple directions, ensuring secure positioning even when the rack is tilted or moved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grill plate is not secured to the wire rack, then the grill plate can be easily positioned, but the grill plate may shift or tip during use causing improper heat distribution and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface of the grill plate is segmented into multiple downwardly projecting features (protrusions, tabs, or feet) that can independently engage with corresponding features on the wire rack. This segmentation allows the grill plate to be easily positioned while providing multiple contact points for stable engagement, preventing shifting or tipping during use.
2Reliability
If the grill plate is secured to prevent movement, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and positioning functions are merged into the basic structural features of the grill plate bottom surface. The downwardly projecting features serve dual purposes: they provide structural support and simultaneously engage with the wire rack to prevent movement. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, maintaining position stability while avoiding additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill plate's downwardly projecting features automatically engage with the wire rack features when the grill plate is placed on the rack. The engagement occurs passively without requiring additional locking actions, adjustments, or complex mechanisms. The structure serves its own positioning and securing function through its inherent geometry.
3Device complexity
If the grill plate is positioned without secure engagement, then the device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to grease sloshing and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple downwardly projecting features distribute the engagement points across the bottom surface of the grill plate. This segmentation provides stable engagement at multiple locations, preventing the grill plate from shifting or tipping during use. The stable positioning prevents grease sloshing and potential spills that could cause safety hazards, all while maintaining a simple overall structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the grill plate uses a simple flat bottom surface, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the reliability of secure positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface is segmented with downwardly projecting features that are simple in shape but effective in function. These features can be easily manufactured using standard casting or forming processes while providing reliable engagement with the wire rack. The segmentation adds positioning reliability without requiring complex manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A grill plate is provided that includes a top cooking surface and a bottom surface configured to rest on the wire rack in a countertop oven when the grill plate is in use. The bottom surface of the grill plate may include one or more projections configured to abut tines of the wire rack and limit movement of the grill plate relative to the wire rack in a forward and rearward and a side-to-side direction.