Latch for movable grill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamshell grills require frequent calibration and alignment of latch mechanisms to maintain proper cooking conditions, which can lead to misalignment issues during operation, affecting the cooking efficiency and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a retaining ring that can move into alignment with misaligned portions, allowing for secure retention of the upper platen assembly in the lowered position, even when the first and second portions are not perfectly aligned, using a design that includes a resilient detent and a cap with a free end arm and retaining ring, enabling operation within a horizontal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch mechanism is used with tight alignment tolerance, then secure retention is achieved, but frequent calibration is required due to misalignment during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alignment tolerance parameter from tight to loose by designing the retaining ring with sufficient radial clearance relative to the latch arm. This allows the latch mechanism to accommodate misalignment during operation without requiring frequent calibration, while still achieving secure retention through the detent engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is designed to be movable within a horizontal plane rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to maintain proper engagement with the latch arm even when misalignment occurs during platen assembly movement. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for frequent calibration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the latch mechanism portions are allowed to misalign during operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but retention reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient detent acts as an intermediary element between the latch arm and the retaining ring. It absorbs misalignment through its resilient nature while maintaining secure engagement, thus preserving retention reliability even when the latch mechanism portions are allowed to misalign for operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radial clearance as a design parameter that allows misalignment while maintaining engagement. The retaining ring's clearance and the detent's resilience work together to decouple the relationship between alignment precision and retention reliability, allowing operational flexibility without sacrificing reliability
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
The solution ensures reliable retention and alignment of the upper platen assembly, reducing the need for frequent calibration and improving cooking efficiency by allowing for greater misalignment tolerance and automatic adjustment, enhancing operational stability and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient detent and a cap with a free end arm and retaining ring
Data Source
AI summary
A grill includes a base structure, a first platen assembly connected to the base structure, and a second platen assembly connected to the base structure. At least the second platen assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. A latch mechanism is operable to selectively retain the upper platen assembly in the second position. The latch mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion further comprises a retaining ring movable to receive and cooperate with the first portion when the first portion and the second portion of the latch mechanism are misaligned.