Pivoting Cooking Chamber Locking for Stable Vertical Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances with pivoting structures for dough-based food, like waffle makers, face instability issues when in storage or transport, leading to potential tilting and accidental tipping, requiring complex locking mechanisms that complicate design and usage.
Innovation Solution
A latch-based locking mechanism that immobilizes the mobile structure relative to the frame in a vertical storage state, allowing for secure storage and transport without the need for a removable recovery plate, optimizing size and design simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a removable dough recovery plate is used to maintain the mobile structure in vertical position, then the structure can be kept stable during storage, but the device complexity increases and the design becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilizing function from the removable dough recovery plate and integrates it into a dedicated locking mechanism. The latch mechanism is separated from the recovery plate, allowing the plate to be removed for cleaning while the latch remains to maintain vertical stability during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains the mobile structure in vertical position during storage, prevents accidental tipping during transport, and works independently of the recovery plate presence. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for the recovery plate to serve as a stabilizer.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent tilting during storage and transport, then stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a cam lever system. When the user positions the mobile structure vertically, the cam lever automatically engages with the latch, locking the position without requiring manual manipulation of separate locking components. The spring-loaded design ensures automatic engagement and disengagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile structure is designed to pivot through 180° or more, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by engaging the latch before any inadvertent tilting can occur. The cam lever system is positioned to engage the latch as the mobile structure approaches the vertical position, preventing accidental movement away from this position during storage or transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism dynamically adapts to the user's intent: when the mobile structure is moved to the vertical position for storage, the latch engages to prevent further movement. When the user intentionally moves the structure away from vertical during operation, the latch disengages to allow the full pivoting range. The spring-loaded design provides dynamic response to user actions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The appliance (1) has a frame (10) to position the appliance on a support e.g. table, and a movable structure (20) comprising a cooking chamber. The structure is mounted to pivot on the frame on 180 or more than 180 degrees. The cooking chamber is vertical in a storage state. The movable structure is blocked in rotation with respect to the frame in a lockable manner by a bolt (60). The bolt is operated by a control unit (61) accessible to a user and placed on a handle (40). The handle includes a gripping body (41), and the control unit is mounted to move inside the body.