Barbecue Ash Bin and Chimney Assembly for Ventilation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barbecue grills face challenges in efficiently collecting and managing ashes, particularly in designs that lack effective ventilation and dual functionality for ash scraping and venting.
Innovation Solution
A martini-shaped barbecue with an integrated ash scraper assembly that includes a scraper with pivotally attached arms, an axle rod, torque ears, and a clip system for secure latching and easy operation, allowing for both ash collection and ventilation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional barbecue grills use separate ash catchers and pans for ash collection, then ash management capability is provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ash catcher and vent cover into a single integrated device. The ash catcher assembly includes a pan with a screen and is equipped with a handle that serves dual purposes: allowing user access and functioning as part of the vent control mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate ash catchers and vent covers, reducing component count while maintaining full ash management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ash catcher assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects ashes, allows ventilation control through the handle mechanism, and provides user access to the firebowl interior. The single device replaces what traditionally required multiple separate components, achieving versatility without increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional barbecue grills lack integrated ventilation control in ash collection devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to control airflow during ash removal
Solution Approach 1:
The vent control functionality is merged into the ash catcher handle assembly. The handle serves both as a user interface for accessing the firebowl and as a vent control mechanism that regulates airflow. This integration allows ventilation control during ash removal operations without adding a separate complex vent system.
3Productivity
If barbecue grills use peripheral apertures for ash disposal, then ash removal capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to inefficient ash collection and potential airflow disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ash collection function from the firebowl interior by providing a dedicated ash catcher pan with a screen. This separate collection system efficiently captures ashes as they fall through the screen, preventing them from disrupting the airflow paths. The extracted ash collection mechanism operates independently, maintaining reliable airflow to the cooking surface while improving ash collection efficiency.
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 solution enables efficient ash collection and ventilation management, enhancing the usability and aesthetics of barbecue grills by providing a dual-function ash scraper and vent cover, improving the cleaning process and maintaining airflow.
Implementation Method 1
During a chimney function, the first compartment functions as a location for holding charcoal and the second compartment functions as a location for combustible starting materials... and the device is designed to fit within the cavity of the column
Implementation Method 2
The device further comprises at least one screen and a movable flap situated within the device cavity, and the screen creates two compartments within the device cavity
Implementation Method 3
during as ash bin function, the flap is situated below the screen in a generally parallel position relative to the screen, and the flap seals access from first compartment to the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A barbecue apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside with at least one aperture; a base attached to the bottomside of the firebowl, and the base comprises an internal cavity, and the aperture of the bottomside of the firebowl leads to the internal cavity of the base; and an ash bin and chimney device comprising an open topside and at least one side wall forming a device cavity, and the device designed to fit within the internal cavity of the base, the aperture of the firebowl is situated above the open topside of the device when the device is situated within the internal cavity of the base, and the device further comprises at least one screen and a movable flap situated within its device cavity.