Cooktop with hinged burner grates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooktops with grates lack efficient mechanisms for easy access and storage, as grates must be lifted and aligned for cleaning, which is inconvenient and can lead to storage issues when removed.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop design featuring hinged burner grates with a biasing mechanism that allows them to be rotated between raised and lowered positions, using support bases and a biasing member to facilitate easy access and storage by exerting an upward biasing force, enabling the grates to be easily lifted and secured in a raised position for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grates are lifted for cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but manual lifting effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing member (spring) is integrated into the hinge mechanism to provide an upward biasing force that counteracts the weight of the grate. This anti-weight mechanism reduces the manual lifting force required by the user, making it easier to raise the grate for cleaning or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism provides self-service by automatically assisting the grate's movement into the raised position. The spring-loaded hinge system reduces the user's effort requirement, making the system partially self-acting in compensating for the grate's weight.
2Ease of operation
If grates are stored externally, then cleaning access is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is merged with the cooktop structure itself. The grate stores vertically against the cooktop surface, combining the storage function with the existing cooktop body rather than requiring separate external storage space. This integration eliminates the need for additional storage volume outside the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution utilizes vertical space above the cooktop surface for storage rather than requiring horizontal external storage space. By transitioning from horizontal removal to vertical positioning, the system efficiently uses the three-dimensional space already occupied by the cooktop assembly.
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
This design enhances user convenience by allowing easy access for cleaning and storage, as the grates can be rotated upwards, reducing the need for manual lifting and providing a secure, space-efficient storage solution.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is coupled to the support base and exerts an upward biasing force on the grate
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop for an appliance includes a cooktop base surface that defines an edge. A cooktop burner is mounted on the cooktop base surface. A support base is rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface adjacent the edge. A grate is rotatably supported to the support base and is rotatable between a raised position and a lowered position to alternately cover and uncover the cooking burner. A biasing member is coupled to the support base and exerts an upward biasing force on the grate.