Lid for a mobile oven
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for cooking devices, particularly those with viewing windows, suffer from complex structures that increase manufacturing costs, weight, and maintenance efforts, and are prone to material wear and thermal stress, making them impractical for mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring a detachable, elastic attachment device for the viewing window, positioned with different attachment planes in the height direction, ensuring flexible fixation and thermal stability, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance, and using heat-resistant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple retaining elements and connection mechanisms are used to secure the viewing window, then the viewing window can be firmly fixed in the lid opening, but the structure becomes complex, manufacturing costs increase, and the lid weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retaining elements into a single integrated attachment device made of elastic material. This elastic attachment device incorporates both the first retaining element that engages with the viewing window and the second retaining element that engages with the frame-like structure, eliminating the need for separate connection mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastic attachment device made of flexible material that can deform to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. This flexible structure provides reliable fixation while being simpler in design compared to rigid mechanical connection mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring the viewing window remains securely attached under varying temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If rigid fixation of the viewing window is used, then the viewing window is securely held in place, but thermal stresses and cracks can occur during temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an elastic attachment device that acts as a flexible intermediary between the viewing window and the frame-like structure. This elastic material can stretch and compress to accommodate differential thermal expansion between the glass viewing window and the surrounding structure, preventing the buildup of thermal stresses that would lead to cracks while maintaining secure fixation throughout temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the attachment device from rigid to elastic, allowing it to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties in response to temperature changes. The elastic material's ability to deform reversibly under thermal stress enables the system to absorb expansion forces without creating damaging stress concentrations, thereby protecting the viewing window from cracking while maintaining reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If complex connection mechanisms are used, then the viewing window can be securely attached, but maintenance and cleaning efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection mechanisms into a single elastic attachment device that can be easily removed and reattached. This unified structure eliminates the need for complex disassembly procedures involving multiple retaining elements and fasteners, allowing users to quickly remove the viewing window for cleaning or replacement by simply releasing the elastic attachment, thereby significantly reducing maintenance effort while maintaining secure attachment during use.
4Reliability
If mechanical connection mechanisms are used, then the viewing window can be firmly fixed, but material wear increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection mechanisms with an elastic attachment device that uses elastic deformation rather than mechanical interlocking. This eliminates sliding friction and contact wear between moving parts, as the elastic material simply stretches and compresses to maintain attachment. The result is a wear-free connection that maintains its fixation strength over thousands of thermal cycles and removal/reattachment operations, significantly extending the lid's operational lifespan.
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 design provides a lightweight, heat-resistant lid that maintains structural integrity and visibility during temperature fluctuations, enhancing durability and energy efficiency while facilitating easy cleaning and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic attachment device allows for expansion of the viewing window and reduces the risk of stresses when the glass is exposed to high temperatures from a gas burner
Implementation Method 2
The attachment device is designed to be elastic, whereby the viewing window can be connected at a first attachment point and the attachment device can be connected to the frame-like structure at a second attachment point
Data Source
AI summary
A lid for a cooking device, particularly a mobile oven for open flames and stovetops, includes a viewing window, a frame-like structure, and an attachment device that detachably connects the viewing window to the frame-like structure. The attachment device is elastic and connects to the viewing window at a first attachment point and to the frame-like structure at a second attachment point. A first attachment plane of the first attachment point is positioned lower in a height direction of the lid than a second attachment plane of the second attachment point.