Combination Grill and Griddle Device with Integrated Grease Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional grill grates are inadequate for cooking diverse food items like pancakes and seafood, requiring separate griddles, which complicates fuel management, cleaning, and heat distribution, and lacks integrated grease management.
Innovation Solution
A combination grill and griddle device integrating a slotted grill grate with a flat-top griddle, featuring independent temperature control, grease management, and heat distribution, powered by propane, gas, or electricity, with a built-in lid and thermometer for versatile cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate griddles are used alongside traditional grills, then cooking versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional grill grate and a flat-top griddle into a single integrated cooking device. The grill portion and griddle portion are merged into one unit, allowing users to grill and griddle simultaneously without needing separate appliances. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining cooking versatility while reducing equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device provides multiple cooking functions (grilling and griddling) in a single appliance. The grill portion handles meats and vegetables while the griddle portion handles pancakes, eggs, and other foods requiring a flat surface. This multi-functionality approach allows one device to replace multiple separate cooking appliances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking appliances are used, then cooking versatility is improved, but fuel management and cleaning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both grill and griddle functions into a single fuel-powered device. The fuel source (propane tank or natural gas connection) serves both the grill burners and griddle heating element, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate fuel sources. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining cooking versatility while simplifying fuel management.
3Device complexity
If traditional grill grates are used, then simple structure is maintained, but cooking versatility for diverse foods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple structure of traditional grill grates while adding a griddle portion to the same device. The grill grate portion remains unchanged for traditional grilling, while the integrated griddle portion provides a flat surface for cooking pancakes, eggs, and other foods. This resolves the contradiction by preserving structural simplicity while enhancing cooking versatility.
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
Enables simultaneous cooking of various foods with precise temperature control, efficient grease disposal, and reduced cleanup time, enhancing outdoor grilling efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The device may use various fuel sources, including propane, natural gas, or electricity, and features multiple heating elements with independent heat controls
Implementation Method 2
A grease channel is integrated along at least one perimeter edge of the griddle surface to direct excess grease into a removable grease collection member
Data Source
AI summary
A combination grill and griddle device is provided. The device integrates both a traditional grill and a flat-top griddle into a single unit, providing a versatile cooking solution for various outdoor settings. The device comprises a griddle surface and a slotted grate surface. A grease management system with a channel and removable collection member integrated not the griddle surface ensures the disposal of cooking residue. The device may use various fuel sources, including propane, natural gas, or electricity, and features multiple heating elements with independent heat controls for uniform cooking performance. A built-in lid with venting and an integrated thermometer enables temperature regulation for additional cooking functions such as smoking and roasting.