Hinged Cooktop Grate Assembly for Burner Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cooking ranges with fixed grates hinder service access to burners for cleaning, as removing the grates can spread soiling and is cumbersome, and the grates' fixed position does not allow for efficient maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly is integrated into the cooktop and grate system, allowing the grate to pivot between a lowered cooking position and a raised service access position, enabling cleaning without removing the grates and maintaining a clear surface for burner access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grate is fixed in position, then the cooking surface is stable and secure, but service access to the burner is hindered and cleaning becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The grate is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one that can pivot between a lowered cooking position and a raised service access position. The hinge assembly enables this dynamic movement, allowing the grate to transition between stable cooking configuration and accessible maintenance configuration, resolving the contradiction between operational stability and service accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the grate and cooktop is segmented into a hinged joint rather than a rigid fixed connection. This segmentation allows independent movement of the grate relative to the cooktop, enabling the grate to be raised for service access while the cooktop remains stationary, thus maintaining stability of the cooktop while improving service access.
2Ease of operation
If the grate is removed for cleaning, then service access to the burner is improved, but soiling spreads and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete removal, the grate dynamically pivots to a raised position that provides service access while remaining attached to the cooktop. This controlled movement confines the grate and any accumulated soiling, preventing spread of contaminants while still allowing adequate access for cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for service access and the need to contain soiling. It enables a intermediate state where the grate is partially raised to provide access while maintaining connection to the cooktop, thus preventing complete removal and potential soiling spread.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly allows relative movement between yoke and pivot pin, then the grate can pivot smoothly between positions, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a dynamic pivot mechanism with a yoke and pivot pin that allows controlled relative movement. This dynamic connection enables smooth pivoting of the grate between lowered and raised positions through simple rotational motion, achieving ease of operation with a relatively simple mechanical design that does not require complex actuators or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a cooktop with a number of gas burners positioned below a grate. The grate is hinged to the cooktop so as to be pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position.