Ceramic Grill Shield with Air Gap for Burn Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic style grills, such as Kamado style grills, pose a risk of burns due to their extremely hot exterior surfaces, with temperatures often exceeding 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and lack a safety device to prevent contact with these hot surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A shield system comprising two portions, hingedly connected to the top and bottom of the grill, utilizing spring clips or brackets to maintain an air gap between the shield and the grill, preventing the shield from overheating and allowing it to remain cooler than the exterior surface, even at maximum grill temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a shield is made of metal and connected to the grill, then the shield provides structural support and protection, but the shield temperature rises to dangerous levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air gaps as an intermediary thermal insulation layer between the metal shield and the grill exterior surface. This air gap acts as a thermal mediator that reduces heat transfer from the hot grill surface to the shield, keeping the shield temperature at safe levels while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct contact (zero-dimensional thermal path) to spaced separation (three-dimensional thermal path) by creating air gaps around the shield. This dimensional change introduces a thermal barrier that significantly reduces heat conduction while preserving the shield's protective function
2Reliability
If the shield is directly connected to the grill surface, then the shield is securely positioned, but the shield becomes too hot to touch
Solution Approach 1:
The air gap serves as a thermal intermediary that decouples the thermal relationship between the grill surface and shield while maintaining their spatial relationship. The shield remains securely positioned through brackets or mounting structures but is thermally isolated by the air space
3Device complexity
If no safety device is provided, then the grill structure remains simple, but users risk burns from hot surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The shield acts as a safety intermediary between users and the hot grill surface. It provides a thermal barrier that users can safely touch or approach, eliminating burn risk while adding minimal complexity to the overall grill structure
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is divided into multiple segments or portions that can be independently positioned around the grill. This segmentation allows the safety function to be distributed across multiple components rather than requiring a single complex device
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 shield effectively reduces the risk of burns by maintaining a non-dangerous temperature, allowing safe use and display of colors or graphics, while providing a safety accessory for Kamado style grills without significant temperature increase.
Implementation Method 1
Airflow can proceed between the shield portions and the exterior surfaces of the grill
Implementation Method 2
maintaining an air gap between the shield and the grill, preventing the shield from overheating
Data Source
AI summary
A grill shield is provided for use with grills, some may be Kamado style grills. The shield can be provided in upper and lower shield portions which respectively connect to the top and the bottom of the grill. The shield portion(s) can connect with brackets to provide an air gap about the exterior surface of the grill and the shield thereby permitting the shield to be at a lower temperature than an exterior surface of the grill.