Hinged Cooktop Grate Assembly for Selective Lifting and Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas cooking grates are heavy and awkward to remove for cleaning, posing challenges in spill cleanup and potential damage to countertops, and existing solutions do not provide efficient multi-functional repositioning options.
Innovation Solution
A hinged grate mounting arrangement that allows the grate to be selectively lifted vertically or pivoted relative to the cooktop, with a hinge mount and locating structure that interlocks at a predetermined angle to prevent vertical lifting while enabling pivotal movement, allowing for convenient repositioning and cleaning access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the grate is made heavy and fixed firmly to ensure stable positioning over cooking elements, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ease of removal for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning the grate from a fixed static mounting to a hinged dynamic mounting system. The grate is attached to the cooktop via a hinge mechanism that allows it to pivot between a horizontal cooking position and a vertical storage position, enabling easy removal and repositioning while maintaining stable positioning during cooking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the grate into multiple sections or segments that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the grate to be partially lifted or positioned flexibly, making it easier to remove and clean while maintaining stability when in use.
2Strength
If the grate is made heavy to ensure structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transforms the operation of the heavy grate from requiring complete removal and manual handling to a simple pivoting motion. The hinge provides a fixed rotation point that guides the movement, reducing the effort needed to reposition the heavy grate while maintaining its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the heavy grate. Instead of directly lifting and carrying the heavy grate, the user interacts with the hinge mechanism to initiate and control the movement, making the operation easier while the grate's weight provides stability.
3Ease of operation
If the grate is made completely removable for easy cleaning, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged mounting provides a dynamic solution where the grate can be easily pivoted to a vertical position for cleaning while automatically returning to or being secured in a stable horizontal position for cooking. This dynamic mounting maintains positioning stability during use while enabling easy cleaning access.
4Ease of operation
If the grate is hingedly attached to enable pivoting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into separate components: the hinge mount attached to the cooktop, the hinge axis, and the attachment points on the grate. This segmentation allows for modular installation and maintenance while providing the desired pivoting functionality without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a cooktop, at least one cooking element mounted to the cooktop, and a grate including a surface portion for supporting a cooking vessel and at least one cup member. The grate is mounted to the cooktop with the at least one cup member being interengaged with locating structure on the cooktop such that the grate can be selectively lifted vertically from the cooktop or pivoted relative to the cooktop. Upon pivoting through a predetermined angle, the grate is prevented from being lifted vertically based on the at least one cup member becoming interlocked with the locating structure.