Convertible shelf for a cooking appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill and smoker frames with fixed shelves are cumbersome and difficult to store and transport due to their size and weight, as they do not offer flexible storage and portability solutions.
Innovation Solution
A convertible and removable shelf system that can be coupled to a grill or smoker frame in various positions and orientations, allowing for extension, locking, pivoting, and secure attachment at different locations, providing additional storage surfaces while minimizing the appliance's footprint during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shelf is added to the frame, then storage functionality is improved, but the size and weight of the frame increase making storage and portability cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the frame. The frame includes attachment structures (grooves, brackets, notches) that allow the shelf to be securely mounted when needed but easily removed when portability is required, thus segmenting the storage function from the main frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic removable component. The frame provides multiple attachment locations and the shelf can be repositioned or removed entirely, allowing the system to adapt between a state with storage functionality and a state optimized for portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shelf is added to the frame, then storage functionality is improved, but the size of the frame increases making storage and portability cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the frame. The frame includes attachment structures (grooves, brackets, notches) that allow the shelf to be securely mounted when needed but easily removed when portability is required, thus segmenting the storage function from the main frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf utilizes vertical space above the cooking chamber rather than expanding the horizontal footprint of the frame. By attaching the shelf to the frame's support spans or brackets, it projects upward in the vertical dimension, providing storage area without increasing the frame's base area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf can be repositioned to multiple locations, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into simple, discrete components: grooves in the support spans, brackets with channels and notches, and corresponding pegs on the shelf. Each component has a single, straightforward function, and together they enable multiple attachment locations without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The pegs on the shelf fit into grooves or channels, and the bracket notches automatically engage to secure the shelf in place. No additional fasteners, tools, or complex adjustment mechanisms are required - the structure itself provides the attachment function.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system for a cooking appliance, such as a smoker or grill is disclosed. A convertible and removable shelf may be coupled to a frame in a variety of positions and orientations. The convertible shelf may be extended and locked into a first position at a first location or pivotally lowered to a second position without removing the shelf. Additionally, the shelf may be removed from the first location and secured to a second location providing a storage surface. The flexible location and orientation of the convertible shelf provides for more efficient and economical storage and portability of the appliance.