Adjustable Grilling Grate Lift With Cable-Spindle Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grate height adjustment devices are limited in their ability to accommodate grates of different dimensions and do not effectively control the heat applied to food by allowing precise adjustment of the grate's position relative to a heat source.
Innovation Solution
A grate height adjustment device featuring a lift mechanism with rotatable spindles, cables, and couplers that allow for adjustable height settings and secure retention of the grate, enabling it to be used with various grate sizes and over different heat sources, such as grills or open fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing grate height adjustment devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to accommodate grates of different dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent components: vertical supports, spindles, cables, connectors, and couplers. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to accommodate different grate dimensions through modular assembly while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supports serve multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the spindle mechanism, guiding cable movement, and supporting the couplers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby accommodating various grate dimensions without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If existing grate height adjustment devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but precise control over heat applied to food is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical screw or lever adjustment systems with a cable-and-spindle system. The spindles can be rotated to precisely wind or unwind cables, providing fine control over grate height. This substitution enables precise position adjustment while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple and maintenance-free.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grate height is fixed, then the device complexity is minimal, but cooking flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a fixed grate system to a dynamic, adjustable system. The spindles and cables enable smooth, continuous height adjustment, allowing the grate position to be dynamically changed according to cooking requirements. This dynamic capability provides cooking flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through the use of straightforward rotational and tensile components.
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 precise control over the heat applied to food by allowing the grate to be adjusted to optimal heights, accommodating different grate dimensions and heat sources, thereby improving cooking flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spindle is rotatable with respect to the vertical supports. A pair of cables is attached to and extend downwardly from the spindle. The cables are wound onto the spindle when the spindle is rotated in a first direction and unwound from the spindle when the spindle is rotated in a second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable height grilling grate assembly includes a grate having a perimeter edge. A lift is attached to the grate for lifting or lowering the grate. The lift comprises a pair of vertical supports and a spindle is rotatably attached to and extends between each of the vertical supports. A pair of cables is attached to the spindle and are wound onto the spindle when the spindle is rotated in a first direction and unwound from the spindle when the spindle is rotated in a second direction. Each of the cables terminates with a connector and the connectors are attached to the grate. A pair of couplers is provided and each the vertical supports has one of the couplers slidably mounted thereto. The couplers engage the perimeter edge of the grate to retain the grate in a horizontal orientation when the vertical supports are in a vertical orientation.