Mode switching device and a grill machine including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grill machines often malfunction due to structural errors causing the handle to miss the mode switching device, or the distance between the handle and the mode switching device being too short, resulting in the elastic member becoming stuck and failing to rebound, preventing the temperature control device from switching between heating modes.
Innovation Solution
A mode switching device with an actuating unit mounted to the lower grill unit, which is pressed downward by the upper grill unit when pivoted from the closed to the open position, switching the temperature control device between heating modes using a combination of biasing members to ensure proper actuation and rebounding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handle is positioned close to the mode switching device to ensure proper actuation, then the switching reliability is improved, but the risk of the pushing member being forced into the lower grill unit and causing the elastic member to become stuck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guiding structure that changes the interaction from a purely horizontal push to a controlled vertical-guided motion. The guiding structure provides a vertical dimension constraint that prevents the pushing member from being forced horizontally into the lower grill unit, while still allowing the mode switching device to be actuated properly when the upper grill unit is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structure acts as an intermediary between the handle and the mode switching device. It mediates the force transmission by providing a controlled path for the pushing member, ensuring that the elastic member is compressed and released within defined boundaries rather than being forced into the lower grill unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between the handle and the mode switching device is increased to prevent forcing the pushing member into the lower grill unit, then the risk of elastic member malfunction is reduced, but the handle may fail to touch the mode switching device due to structural errors
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure introduces dynamic adaptability to the system. It allows the mode switching device to move freely within the guided path to accommodate variations in assembly position, while still ensuring proper actuation. The guiding structure adapts to small positional variations without preventing the handle from actuating the mode switching device.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structure changes the operational parameters of the mode switching device by providing constrained movement in specific directions while allowing freedom in others. This enables the system to tolerate variations in assembly parameters (such as positional errors) while maintaining reliable actuation functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mode switching device is actuated by pushing it horizontally during handle pivoting, then the temperature control device can switch between heating modes, but the elastic member may become stuck in the lower grill unit and fail to rebound
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure introduces vertical dimension constraints to the horizontal actuation process. It allows the mode switching device to be actuated horizontally while preventing the pushing member from being forced into the lower grill unit by providing vertical guidance and boundary constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structure serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables the temperature control device to switch between heating modes while protecting the elastic member from becoming stuck. It mediates between the actuation requirement and the protection requirement by providing a controlled path for the pushing member.
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 reliable switching between heating modes by ensuring proper actuation of the temperature control device, preventing malfunctions associated with structural errors and stuck components, and maintaining efficient operation of the grill machine.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is compressed by the pushing member to become stuck in the lower grill unit and fail to rebound
Data Source
AI summary
A grill machine includes a grill mechanism, a temperature control device and a mode switching device. The grill mechanism includes a lower grill unit, and an upper grill unit that is pivotally connected to the lower grill unit and that is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The temperature control device is switchable between a first heating mode and a second heating mode. The mode switching device includes an actuating unit that is mounted to the lower grill unit. When the upper grill unit is pivoted to the open position, the upper grill unit downwardly presses the actuating unit to switch the temperature control device from the first heating mode to the second heating mode.