Barbecue grill with optimized interface to attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barbecue grills lack secure and precise interfaces for attaching additional features, leading to sub-optimal openings and potential damage during installation, which can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the grill.
Innovation Solution
A barbecue grill design featuring a manufactured opening with strategically placed fastener holes allows for secure attachment of accessories like smoke boxes or air vent plates using bolts or rivets, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing alterations and ensuring smooth edges and precise fitment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers design barbecue grills with a plurality of perforations to allow users to create openings for attachments, then users can install attachments like smoke boxes, but the created openings have sub-optimal edges and may compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming optimized openings and fastener holes during the manufacturing process rather than requiring users to create them afterward. The openings are precision-formed with smooth edges and proper geometry to receive attachments, eliminating the need for users to knock out perforations or create openings themselves. This ensures high manufacturing precision while maintaining attachment versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users create openings by removing perforated areas, then attachments can be installed, but the process may damage the grill body and compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates harmful user actions by pre-forming openings and fastener holes during manufacturing with proper structural reinforcement. The openings are designed with optimized geometry and edge quality that prevents damage to the grill body. Fastener holes are pre-positioned to accommodate secure attachment methods, eliminating the need for users to knock out perforations or create openings that could compromise structural integrity or create safety hazards.
3Ease of operation
If snap-on installation is used for attachments, then installation is simple, but the attachment may not be securely fastened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system into modular components: precision-formed openings for attachment reception, pre-positioned fastener holes for secure fastening, and standardized attachment interfaces. This segmentation allows attachments to be securely fastened using bolts, rivets, or other fasteners through pre-drilled holes, while maintaining ease of installation and removal. The modular design enables both secure attachment and simple operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If post-manufacturing alterations are made to create openings, then attachments can be added, but the grill's structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating openings and fastener holes into the grill body during the original manufacturing process using precision forming techniques. This ensures that the openings are created with optimized geometry and proper structural reinforcement, maintaining the grill's structural integrity. The pre-formed openings are designed to receive attachments securely without requiring post-manufacturing alterations that would compromise strength or rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are assemblies, methods, and means for installing attachments in barbecue grills. A barbecue grill may include, in a cooking body of the barbecue grill, an opening and a plurality of holes configured to facilitate installation of an attachment for the barbecue grill. In some embodiments, an attachment comprises a smoke box and is configured to be installed in the opening and securely fastened to the barbecue grill by using fasteners receivably positioned in the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, an attachment comprises a cover plate and is configured to be installed in the opening and securely fastened to the barbecue grill by using fasteners receivably positioned in the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the barbecue grill comprises a plurality of means for interfacing with attachments, and a means for substantially covering the opening including a plurality of means for interfacing with the cooking body.