Collapsible grill
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable cooking devices for outdoor use are often ineffective, difficult to set up, and occupy valuable storage space, failing to provide a convenient and effective cooking solution in locations without traditional cooking apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible grill with a vertically adjustable cooking platform, featuring a crank and cable system for heat control, a staking mechanism for stability, and a pin latch system for base shape adjustment, allowing for easy assembly, use, and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional grilling device is used, then cooking effectiveness is improved, but portability and storage space are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The grilling device is divided into separate components including a base, a platform, and a rod that can be disassembled and stored independently. The platform can be detached from the rod, allowing each component to be stored separately or nested together, significantly reducing storage volume while maintaining cooking effectiveness when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to nest within or alongside the base and rod components when not in use. The collapsible structure allows the platform to be folded or nested into the base cavity, with the rod serving as a central axis for nesting other components, creating a compact storage configuration that minimizes volume
2Volume of moving object
If a portable cooking device is used, then storage space is reduced, but cooking effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made movable along the rod through a cable and spool mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the platform height and position. This enables the user to optimize the cooking surface position relative to the heat source for different cooking tasks, maintaining cooking effectiveness despite the portable design
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position of the platform can be adjusted by changing the cable length engaged on the spool, allowing modification of the cooking parameters such as distance from heat source. This parameter adjustment capability ensures effective cooking performance while maintaining a compact portable form factor
3Weight of moving object
If a disassembled cooking apparatus is used, then portability is improved, but ease of assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The base is pre-assembled with the rod attached and the platform pre-configured with connection mechanisms. The cable is pre-routed through guides and the spool is pre-installed on the rod, so that when components are separated for transport, they require minimal manipulation to reassemble. Connection points are designed with alignment features that guide proper assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly mechanism utilizes self-aligning features and spring-loaded connectors that automatically engage when components are brought together. The platform's connection to the rod through the cable system is designed to self-tension and lock into place without requiring complex fastening operations, enabling easy assembly by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible grill. The collapsible grill includes a base. The base is defined by several walls. An interior cavity is formed by the walls. A rod is affixed to an external surface of the base and extends upward from the base. A platform is mounted onto the rod. The platform can be adjusted vertically on the rod, so that a user can set a desired distance between the platform and the base.