Clamped Griddle Heat Spreader for Thermal Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stainless steel griddles with aluminum heat spreaders face manufacturing costs and thermal stress issues due to differing coefficients of thermal expansion, leading to potential bond failure and increased production expenses.

Innovation Solution

A griddle design featuring a stainless steel griddle plate with a clamping mechanism that secures an aluminum heat spreading plate, allowing for efficient heat distribution without generating substantial stresses through the use of clamping members with curved ends to accommodate thermal expansion differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an aluminum heat spreader is metallically bonded or clad to the stainless steel griddle plate, then heat distribution is improved and preheat time is shortened, but manufacturing cost increases and thermal stress causes bowing and bond failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat distributionVSAvoidbond stability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat spreader is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently expand and contract. This segmentation allows each section to accommodate thermal expansion differences with the stainless steel griddle plate, reducing overall thermal stress and preventing bond failure while maintaining effective heat distribution across the cooking surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the heat spreader by using materials with different thermal expansion coefficients in different sections, or by designing the heat spreader with variable thickness or flexibility. This allows the heat spreader to adapt its thermal response to match the griddle plate's expansion characteristics, reducing thermal stress while improving heat distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If an aluminum heat spreader is clad with a stainless steel griddle plate, then appearance is improved, but thermal stress from different coefficients of thermal expansion causes the griddle to bow and may break the bond

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidthermal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The heat spreader is designed as a flexible or semi-flexible component that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without generating excessive stress. This flexibility allows the heat spreader to maintain its bond with the stainless steel griddle plate while adapting to temperature changes, preventing bowing and bond failure while preserving the desired appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The heat spreader is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to thermal conditions in real-time. This may include using materials or structures that change their physical properties with temperature, allowing the heat spreader to flex or expand/contract in sync with the griddle plate, thereby reducing thermal stress and maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If a clad griddle is manufactured, then heat distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat distributionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat spreader is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be manufactured more economically than traditional clad constructions. This allows for the use of cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes while maintaining the heat distribution benefits. The modular design also facilitates easier assembly and potential replacement, reducing overall manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes thermal stress, ensuring effective heat distribution and preventing bond failure between the stainless steel and aluminum components, thus enhancing the griddle's performance and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a heat spreading plate of a second material having a second thermal conductivity which is greater than the first thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

there will be stresses between the aluminum heat spreader and the stainless steel griddle plate when the clad griddle is heated, due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of these materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS8074563B2Griddle with a heat spreader

Publication Date: 2011.12.13 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A griddle for a cooking appliance is disclosed. The griddle includes a griddle plate of a first material having a first thermal conductivity; a heat spreading plate of a second material having a second thermal conductivity which is greater than the first thermal conductivity; and at least one clamping member for clamping the griddle plate and the heat spreading plate together.