Clamshell Grill Lower Platen Leveling for Parallel Surface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamshell grills face limitations in compression force and reliability due to the weight of the upper platen assembly and positioning of leveling components in high-temperature areas, affecting the even cooking and operation of the grill.
Innovation Solution
A grill design featuring a base structure with independently movable leveling mechanisms that automatically level the lower grilling surface relative to the upper grilling surface, allowing for precise adjustment and maintenance of a desired gap, and positioning the leveling mechanisms outside the high-temperature area for improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the upper platen assembly is used to apply compression force to the food, then the food can be pressed during cooking, but the compression force is limited to the weight of the platen
Solution Approach 1:
A spring assembly is positioned above the upper platen assembly to apply additional downward force. The spring acts as a counterweight mechanism that provides extra compression force beyond the platen's weight, pressing the food items between the upper and lower platens during cooking.
2Manufacturing precision
If leveling components are positioned above the upper platen assembly to level the grilling surfaces, then the upper platen assembly can be leveled, but the components are arranged within a high temperature area affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling mechanism is extracted from the high-temperature area above the upper platen assembly and relocated to the base structure below the lower platen assembly. This separates the leveling function from the heat exposure, maintaining precision while improving reliability by positioning the leveling components in a cooler environment.
3Force
If the upper platen assembly is made heavier to increase compression force, then more force can be applied to the food, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the platen's weight, a spring assembly is added above the platen to provide the additional compression force needed. The spring acts as a mechanical counterweight that delivers the required force without requiring the platen itself to be heavier, thus avoiding increased inertia and difficulty in moving the platen.
4Device complexity
If conventional leveling mechanisms are used positioned above the upper platen, then the structure is simple, but the components are exposed to excessive heat reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling mechanism is extracted from the high-temperature zone above the upper platen assembly and repositioned to the base structure. This relocation maintains the functional simplicity of the leveling system while eliminating the reliability issue caused by heat exposure, as the base structure is not subjected to the same thermal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A grill is provided including a base structure. An upper platen assembly is connected to the base structure and includes an upper grilling surface. A lower platen assembly is connected to the base structure and includes a lower grilling surface. A plurality of leveling mechanisms is mounted to the base structure with a mounting bracket. A portion of each leveling mechanism is arranged in contact with the lower platen assembly. The leveling mechanisms are configured to automatically level the lower grilling surface relative to the upper grilling surface. Each of the plurality of leveling mechanisms is configured to independently move a portion of the lower grilling surface about a different axis.