Portable Grill Leg Assembly for Safe Folding and Tank Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable grills face challenges in transitioning between erected and collapsed configurations safely and efficiently, particularly with regards to fuel tank management and mechanical damage prevention during transport.
Innovation Solution
The portable grill incorporates a leg lock assembly, tank blocker, leg latch assembly, lid lock assembly, foldable foot, and gas spring to facilitate safe and automated transitions between configurations, ensuring the fuel tank is properly uncoupled and preventing mechanical damage during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the portable grill is designed with foldable legs to reduce form factor for transport, then the grill can fit in storage compartments, but the complexity of transitioning between configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assembly is divided into multiple segments (leg portions) that can be independently folded and locked. Each leg portion can be selectively folded relative to adjacent portions, allowing gradual size reduction while maintaining control over the transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
Locking mechanisms are pre-positioned along the leg assemblies to engage at specific folding positions. This preliminary positioning of locking elements ensures that the transition follows a predetermined safe path, preventing accidental fuel tank damage before it occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual folding of legs is used to reduce form factor, then transportability is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage to the fuel tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg latch assemblies are designed to automatically engage and lock the leg portions in place before the folding process completes. This preliminary locking action prevents over-folding or unintended movement that could cause the leg to strike and damage the fuel tank during the transition to collapsed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg latch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's folding action and the final leg position. It mediates the transition by providing controlled stopping points and preventing excessive folding that would bring the leg into contact with the fuel tank.
3Reliability
If automated locking mechanisms are added to prevent damage during transition, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg latch assemblies are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the leg's position during folding. The mechanisms self-activate through the natural movement of the leg portions, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems while maintaining safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into the leg latch assembly: it provides structural support, enables folding motion, locks at predetermined positions, and prevents over-folding. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall mechanical system.
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
These features enable secure and efficient transitions between configurations, preventing mechanical damage and ensuring safe transport by automating the uncoupling of the fuel tank and locking mechanisms, thereby enhancing user safety and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
gas spring to facilitate safe and automated transitions between configurations
Implementation Method 2
leg lock assembly, tank blocker, leg latch assembly, lid lock assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a support bar coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The support bar further extends at an angle away from the first and second legs. The support bar is configured to contact an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The support bar is further configured to provide a handle by which the portable grill can be hung when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented vertically relative to the underlying surface.