Magnetic Grill Plate Mounting for Reliable Tabletop Grills

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tabletop grills often have latch mechanisms for removable grill plates that are prone to malfunction or breakage, necessitating a simpler and more reliable mounting system.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic connections between ferromagnetic grill plates and housings, facilitated by alignment assemblies with magnet devices and ferromagnetic materials, allows for secure and easy attachment and detachment of grill plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a latch mechanism is used to mount grill plates, then the grill plates can be removably mounted, but the mechanism is susceptible to malfunction or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting system reliabilityVSAvoidlatch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical latch mechanism with a magnetic field-based mounting system. Magnets embedded in the housing attract and hold the grill plates through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical latches, springs, and moving parts that are prone to malfunction and breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of mounting from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. By using magnetic field strength as the retaining force rather than mechanical engagement, the system achieves simpler construction and higher reliability while maintaining removable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a simple magnetic connection is used, then the mounting system is simpler and more reliable, but the attachment strength must be sufficient to secure the grill plate during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting system simplicityVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent concentrates the magnetic mounting function at specific locations where magnets are strategically positioned in the housing to engage with the grill plate. This localized approach provides sufficient attachment strength at critical points while keeping the overall system simple and avoiding the need for complex distributed mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This magnetic connection provides a robust and reliable method for mounting grill plates, enhancing ease of cleaning and maintenance while maintaining a secure attachment during use.

Implementation Method 1

The grill plate and the housing are magnetically connectable to retain the grill plate on the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a ferromagnetic material configured for making a magnetic connection with the magnet device of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

the magnet device of each alignment assembly magnetically connects to the ferromagnetic material of the associated handle to removably retain each of the grill plates on its respective housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9173522B2Tabletop grill

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 SPECTRUM BRANDS INC

AI summary

A tabletop grill generally includes a housing, a heating element disposed within the housing, and a grill plate configured to be removably mounted on the housing. The grill plate and the housing are magnetically connectable to retain the grill plate on the housing.