Cooking plate for fire pit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire pits lack a versatile and efficient cooking solution that provides an evenly heated surface for cooking while allowing for easy installation and removal, accommodating different sizes and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A removable, ring-shaped cooking plate made from quarter inch thick carbon steel with support tabs that position it above the fire pit for even heating, featuring angled surfaces for leveling and handles that keep cool during use, along with the option to accommodate accessory posts for additional functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooking plate is placed directly on the fire pit, then the cooking surface is close to the heat source, but the heating is uneven and the plate cannot be easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple support tabs distributed around the cooking plate, allowing the plate to be supported at multiple points above the fire pit. This segmentation enables even heat distribution while allowing the plate to be easily inserted and removed by engaging or disengaging from the fire pit rim

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support tabs act as intermediaries between the cooking plate and the fire pit, positioning the plate at an optimal distance above the heat source. This intermediary structure provides stable support for even heating while maintaining ease of installation and removal through engagement with the fire pit rim

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If the cooking plate covers the entire fire pit opening, then the cooking surface area is maximized, but the flame access is blocked and heat efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking surface areaVSAvoidheat efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking plate is designed with a ring shape that segments the fire pit opening, providing a cooking surface area while leaving the center open for flame access. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of adequate cooking surface area and maintained heat efficiency through direct flame exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cooking plate serve different functions: the ring-shaped cooking surface provides cooking area while the central opening maintains flame access and heat efficiency. This local quality differentiation optimizes both cooking surface area and heat efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the cooking plate is made thick for durability, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight increases making it difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidplate weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support tabs are designed as separate, distributed elements rather than a solid continuous structure. This segmentation provides adequate structural strength for durability while reducing the overall weight and improving handleability compared to a solid thick plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If handles are attached to the cooking plate for easy handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the handles may become hot during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidhandle temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The handles are extracted from the main body of the cooking plate and positioned on the opposite side from the heat source. This separation allows the handles to remain cool during use while maintaining ease of operation for loading and unloading the cooking plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 efficient and even cooking on fire pits of various sizes, allowing for easy installation and removal, while maintaining user safety and flexibility in configuration options.

Implementation Method 1

The cooking plate includes support tabs that position the cooking plate above the upper rim of the fire pit to provide even heating to the cooking plate while securing it in place with respect to the fire pit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The cooking plate is made from quarter inch thick carbon steel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11719442B2Cooking plate for fire pit

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 BREEO LLC

AI summary

A cooking plate is mountable to and removable from a fire pit. The cooking plate includes support tabs that position the cooking plate above the upper rim of the fire pit to provide even heating to the cooking plate while securing it in place with respect to the fire pit. The cooking plate can be placed on the fire pit after the fire has been started and removed while the fire is burning. The cooking plate has support tabs that each has an angled surface to allow the cooking plate to be leveled with respect to the fire pit. The cooking plate is ring-shaped and provides a central opening for the flame of the fire pit. The cooking plate defines an indentation that accommodates an accessory post of the fire pit.