Portable Camp Cooker With Telescoping Arm and Modular Attachments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current camp cooking devices lack adjustability and flexibility, with fixed handles that are inconvenient for packing and limited attachment features, making them unsuitable for outdoor cooking where space is limited and varied cooking applications are needed.
Innovation Solution
A portable camp cooker with a telescoping arm that can be adjusted in length and a modular attachment system, allowing for multiple configurations and the use of various cooking attachments, such as a sandwich sealer, pot, fork, grill, and Dutch oven, to accommodate different cooking needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be compacted for packing and cannot accommodate different user distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a telescoping handle mechanism that allows the handle length to be dynamically adjusted between extended and retracted positions. The handle includes telescoping sections that can slide relative to each other, enabling the user to extend the handle to a comfortable cooking distance or retract it to a compact size for packing, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the handle to be compacted into a small package while still providing an extended length when needed for cooking, addressing both the packing convenience and user distance requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking attachments are integrated, then the device versatility is improved, but the device size and packing space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment system where a single base device can accommodate multiple different cooking attachments (grill pan, skillet, Dutch oven, etc.). The standardized attachment interface allows users to swap between different cooking implements, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices, thus reducing overall packing volume while maintaining cooking application variety
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking attachments are designed to nest within each other or within the handle when not in use. For example, smaller pans can be nested inside larger ones, and all attachments can be secured to the handle in a compact configuration, minimizing the device volume for packing while maintaining full functionality when deployed
3Ease of operation
If the handle is extended to proper cooking distance, then the user comfort is improved, but the device becomes bulky for packing
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping handle mechanism allows the device to dynamically change its length between extended and retracted states. When extended, the handle provides the proper cooking distance for user comfort; when retracted, it compacts to a small size suitable for packing in backpacks or camping gear, thus resolving the contradiction between operational comfort and portability
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooking apparatus is light, packable, compatible with back-country hiking, and is multi-functional for use over a heat source. An arm of the apparatus may elongate and shorten and may have an attachment system on the arm that allows the attachment of a plurality of food and drink holding attachments. The attachments may be coupled to a strap connected to a handle. The handle may include a compartment for holding parts of the apparatus or other articles so that the apparatus may be disassembled and stowed. A rotisserie mode enables rotation of food over an open flame. A rotisserie handle can be releasably coupled to the apparatus handle. The rotisserie handle can be placed in a locked condition to prevent rotation in a variety of cooking positions. A pivoting arm stabilizer enables cooking food to be horizontally pivoted to and from the heat source.