Hook-Based Oven Food Support for Self-Locking Attachment Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for supporting food in ovens lack a simple and secure attachment mechanism that ensures stable and space-efficient installation, often requiring excessive force for removal and risking unintentional detachment.

Innovation Solution

A device with a hook element that projects laterally and upwards from the support unit, allowing for self-locking attachment to a vertical oven wall section, featuring a transverse section and hook end section for torque-based stability, a stop section for additional support, and a movable latching hook for enhanced security, along with a displaceable sliding element for kinematic blocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of attachment is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment mechanism complexityVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook element is designed to automatically lock itself into the insertion opening through its geometric shape (transverse section with upwardly extending free end), eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while ensuring reliable attachment. The self-locking feature provides both simplicity and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hook element features a curved or bent geometry where the free end extends upwardly from the transverse section, creating a natural locking action against the insertion opening. This curved design enables the self-locking mechanism that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If excessive force is required for removal, then the attachment stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic removal process. By applying force in a specific direction (upward on the free end), the hook element dynamically disengages from the insertion opening, allowing easy removal while maintaining stable attachment during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hook element is designed as a separate, detachable component from the support unit, allowing independent removal. This segmentation enables the attachment to be easily detached by manipulating only the hook element, improving ease of operation while maintaining attachment stability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If a space-efficient attachment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force distribution is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment spaceVSAvoidforce distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The hook element utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by extending upwardly from the transverse section. This vertical dimension allows the free end to engage with the insertion opening while distributing forces across multiple contact points (transverse section and free end), achieving both space efficiency and proper force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved geometry of the hook element creates optimal force distribution through its shape. The transverse section and upwardly extending free end work together to distribute attachment forces across different areas, achieving efficient force distribution within a compact space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 secure, space-efficient, and easy-to-remove support units with improved force distribution and stability, preventing unintentional detachment during food handling.

Implementation Method 1

provides a pivot bearing by which the upstanding hook end portion is pressed against the wall section with a torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

Due to static friction forces, load-bearing forces for supporting the load-bearing unit can be transmitted at points other than the contact point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3034950B1Device for supporting food carriers
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 GRASS GMBH
  • EP3034950B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3034950B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3034950B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A device (1) for supporting food supports in an oven (2) with at least one support unit (5, 6, 7) for supporting a food support and with attachment means with which the support unit (7) in the oven is attached to a vertical wall section (3a) of the furnace is attachable. According to the invention, the attachment means comprise a hook element (13) which is designed to project laterally and upwards from the support unit (7), the hook element (13) being designed to be inserted through an insertion opening (10) on the vertical wall section with a lifting and insertion opening ( 10) is provided towards pivoting movement to rest on a lower edge portion (10a) of the insertion opening (10).