Hinged Cooking Grate Mounted to Structural Framework for Easy Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking grates for gas ranges are cumbersome to clean due to their weight and size, and hinging them to the cooktop increases manufacturing complexity and cost, with potential damage risks if not handled properly.
Innovation Solution
A cooking grate system where the grates are hingedly connected to the structural framework of the cooking appliance, allowing them to pivot and be removed for cleaning without being attached to the cooktop, thus reducing weight and manufacturing complexity while maintaining support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grates are hinged to the cooktop, then the grates can be easily removed for cleaning, but the cooktop structure becomes more complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a structural framework as an intermediary component between the cooktop and the hinged grates. The framework includes vertical supports and horizontal beams that are separate from the cooktop surface, providing the hinge mounting structure needed for easy grate removal without modifying the cooktop itself. This mediator allows the grates to be hinged while keeping the cooktop design simple and cost-effective.
2Stability of the object's composition
If grates are hinged to the cooktop, then the grates remain stable during use, but the risk of damage to the cooktop increases if grates fall harshly
Solution Approach 1:
The structural framework serves as a buffer zone between the grates and the cooktop. When grates fall or are removed, they interact with the framework components (vertical supports, horizontal beams) first, which are designed to absorb impact. This intermediary structure protects the cooktop surface from direct impact damage while still providing stable support for the grates during normal cooking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is designed with components that can absorb and dissipate impact energy before it reaches the cooktop. The vertical supports and horizontal beams are positioned to catch and cushion falling grates, preventing them from striking the cooktop surface with full force. This beforehand cushioning reduces the harmful effects of potential grate drops.
3Area of stationary object
If grates are made large to span the entire cooktop surface, then they provide complete coverage for cooking, but their weight increases making them cumbersome to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooking surface into multiple zones with individual grates for each burner or group of burners, rather than using a single large grate spanning the entire cooktop. Each grate is smaller and lighter, making them easier to handle and clean, while collectively providing complete coverage when all grates are in place. The structural framework supports these segmented grates at appropriate positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking grate that is hinged directly to the structural framework of an appliance is disclosed. The cooking grate may include one or more grate hinge brackets that are connected behind or through a cooktop without connection to the cooktop. One or more cooking grates may be used in a variety of applications.