Cooking Appliance Knob Support Structure for Reduced Shake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking appliance operation parts tend to shake excessively when rotated, leading to reduced operability and potential damage to the shaft from external impacts.
Innovation Solution
The cooking appliance incorporates multiple support parts protruding from the knob ring and supporter to reduce shake and absorb external impacts, ensuring the shaft remains protected and operational reliability is enhanced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation part is made rotatable for user control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the operation part deteriorates due to shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments: a supporter fixed to the shaft, a knob ring rotatable relative to the supporter, and multiple support parts positioned between them. This segmentation allows the operation part to rotate smoothly while maintaining structural stability through the distributed support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support parts act as intermediary elements between the fixed supporter and the rotatable knob ring. These intermediaries reduce the transmission of shaking and instability from the rotating knob to the fixed shaft, allowing smooth operation while maintaining stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shaft is exposed to connect the knob and control panel, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The support parts are positioned to protrude into the gap between the knob ring and supporter, creating a protective barrier before external impacts can reach the shaft. This beforehand cushioning absorbs or deflects external forces, protecting the shaft from damage while maintaining the simple shaft-connected structure.
3Ease of operation
If there is a gap between the knob ring and supporter for rotation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to excessive shake
Solution Approach 1:
The support parts are strategically positioned at specific locations around the gap between the knob ring and supporter. This local quality approach provides stability where needed (at the support points) while maintaining the open gap structure for smooth rotation, creating a balance between stability and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support parts protrude partially into the gap space rather than completely filling it. This partial action provides sufficient support to reduce shaking while leaving enough clearance to maintain smooth rotational operation, achieving the optimal balance between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance, including: a shaft protruding to an outside of a control panel; a knob installed in a way that encircles an outside of the shaft protruding to the outside of the control panel; a knob ring disposed between the control panel and the knob, and configured to guide a rotation of the knob; a supporter disposed between the knob and the knob ring, and shaft-coupled to the shaft to connect the knob and the shaft; and a support part disposed between the knob ring and the supporter and configured to narrow a gap between the knob ring and the supporter, or disposed between the knob ring and the knob and configured to narrow a gap between the knob ring and the knob.