Grill Ratchet Coupling Mechanism for Fine Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grill devices lack the ability to make fine adjustments in the position of the upper grill unit relative to the lower grill unit, limiting user control over the opening angles and positions.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism with a ratchet unit, including first and second ratchet teeth and a resilient component, allows for fine adjustment of the upper grill unit's position by enabling rotation in one direction for opening and resisting rotation in the opposite direction, using an adjustment knob to switch between abutting positions and disengage the ratchet teeth for movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional coupling mechanism is used to connect the upper grill unit to the lower grill unit, then the upper grill unit can be moved between fully covered, half-opened, and fully opened positions, but fine adjustment of the upper grill unit's position is not permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a connection base, lever, first seat member, second seat member, and ratchet unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, enabling fine adjustment capability while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet unit incorporates a resilient component that allows dynamic movement between engaged and disengaged states. When the resilient component is compressed, the ratchet teeth disengage permitting fine adjustment; when released, the teeth engage to lock the position, providing both adjustability and stability
2Reliability
If the second ratchet teeth are positioned to engage with the first ratchet teeth, then the upper grill unit can be retained at a selected position, but the upper grill unit cannot be moved for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient component is pre-loaded to maintain constant pressure between the ratchet teeth, ensuring automatic engagement and retention. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintended movement while allowing controlled disengagement when adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient component acts as an intermediary between the ratchet teeth, providing a controlled mechanism for engagement and disengagement. It mediates between the need for secure retention and the need for adjustability, allowing smooth transitions between locked and adjustable states
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 multi-step fine adjustment and retention of the upper grill unit at desired positions relative to the lower grill unit, allowing for precise control over opening angles and maintaining the position effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient component disposed between the second seat member and the rotatable wheel and configured to repeatedly store and release a restoring force as a result of the second ratchet teeth moving between the abutting position and the disengaged position
Data Source
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AI summary
A grill device includes a coupling mechanism (3) having first and second ratchet teeth (71, 81) that cooperate to permit movement of an upper grill unit (22) in a first direction (D1) for uncovering a lower grill unit (21), and to resist movement of the upper grill unit (22) relative to the lower grill unit (21) in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1).