Clamshell griddle with adjustable upper platen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell griddles lack precise and repeatable vertical adjustment of the upper platen, which limits their ability to accommodate varying food thicknesses and cooking requirements, potentially leading to inconsistent cooking results.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable upper platen assembly with a motor-driven mechanism and mechanical reductions for precise control, combined with a leveler assembly for automatic leveling and a counterweight system for easy opening and closing, allowing for precise adjustment of the vertical gap between the upper and lower platens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinged upper platen is used to raise and lower the cooking surface, then the device can accommodate varying food thicknesses, but the vertical adjustment is not precise or repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the upper platen vertically adjustable through multiple positions. The platen can be raised and lowered to different heights to accommodate varying food thicknesses, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one with adjustable vertical positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the upper platen to achieve precise and repeatable adjustment. By providing multiple discrete vertical positions, the system enables precise control over the cooking gap distance, directly addressing the measurement precision requirement.
2Measurement precision
If electronic vertical adjustment is used to adjust for various food thicknesses, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded latch mechanism that automatically engages with the adjustment slots. The system self-regulates by using spring force to maintain contact and engagement without requiring external control systems, eliminating the need for electronic controllers while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control mechanisms with a purely mechanical adjustment system. The vertical positioning is achieved through mechanical slots and latches operated by springs, eliminating the need for electronic motors, sensors, or control circuits while achieving the desired adjustment precision.
3Productivity
If the upper platen is lowered into contact with the lower platen for cooking, then cooking effectiveness is improved, but the full weight of the upper platen may crush the food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing multiple vertical positions for the upper platen rather than a single fixed position. This allows the platen to be positioned at an optimal distance from the lower platen, enabling effective cooking while preventing excessive compression that would occur with full contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical distance parameter between the upper and lower platens to achieve the desired cooking pressure. By adjusting the vertical position, the system optimizes the gap distance to provide sufficient heat transfer for effective cooking while avoiding harmful compression forces on the food.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically adjustable upper platen is useable with, e.g., a clamshell-type steam griddle, in which the vertical position of the upper cooking surface can be precisely and repeatably controlled. The upper platen includes a vertical adjustment mechanism which utilizes multiple mechanical reductions to facilitate rapid and precise adjustments of the vertical platen position in small increments, while retaining traditional and cost-effective control mechanisms and motors. The vertically adjustable platen may also include a leveler assembly which allows the upper platen to self-adjust into a level orientation relative to the lower platen when the upper platen is lowered into contact with the lower platen, and then hold the level orientation when the upper platen is raised to create a cooking space between the upper and lower cooking surfaces. The steam griddle may further include a counterweight system functionally connected at a pivot connection between the moveable upper platen assembly and the stationary lower platen assembly, which is operable to automatically pivot the upper platen assembly into its open configuration and selectively hold the upper platen assembly in its closed configuration.