Detachable Corrugated Non-Stick Plate for Griddle Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing griddles face issues with non-stick layer degradation due to aggressive cleaning methods and inefficient thermal exchange due to the use of low thermal conductivity backing paper sheets, especially on griddles with corrugated surfaces that hinder branding mark generation.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a heating plate featuring a corrugated protective plate having a non-stick face, fixed using a system of switchable fixing elements that exert compression forces along the edges to ensure secure attachment and easy replaceability, maintaining thermal exchange and preventing warping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-stick coating is applied to the heating plate, then food sticking is prevented, but the coating degrades rapidly under aggressive cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The heating plate system is divided into two separate components: a durable heating plate and a detachable protective plate with non-stick coating. This segmentation allows the protective plate to be easily replaced when the coating degrades, while the heating plate maintains its structural integrity and can be cleaned aggressively without damaging a non-stick coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate with non-stick coating is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced. When the non-stick coating degrades from aggressive cleaning, the protective plate is discarded or replaced rather than repaired, while the expensive heating plate is preserved. This approach treats the non-stick coating as a short-living protective layer.
2Ease of operation
If backing paper sheets are used between food and heating plate, then cleaning is simplified, but thermal conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate serves as a reusable alternative to disposable backing paper sheets. It provides the same cleaning benefit (food doesn't stick to the heating plate) while being made of metal with high thermal conductivity, eliminating the energy loss associated with paper barriers. The protective plate can be removed and cleaned easily, replacing the need for paper sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate combines a metal substrate (for thermal conductivity) with a non-stick coating layer (for ease of cleaning). This composite structure integrates the beneficial properties of both materials: the metal provides heat transfer efficiency while the coating prevents food adhesion, eliminating the need for thermal insulating paper barriers.
3Ease of operation
If backing paper sheets are used on corrugated heating plates, then cleaning is simplified, but branding mark generation is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate is designed as a reusable alternative to disposable paper sheets for corrugated heating plates. It allows the crests to penetrate food and create branding marks while providing a non-stick surface for easy cleaning. The protective plate can be removed and cleaned easily, maintaining the branding capability that paper sheets would block.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate uses a metal substrate with non-stick coating that replicates the corrugated surface geometry. This allows the crests to contact and brand food effectively while the non-stick coating prevents food from adhering to the heating plate, enabling easy cleaning without sacrificing branding mark generation.
4Ease of operation
If lateral guides are used to fix the protective plate, then attachment is simplified, but heat transfer is reduced due to elastic deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing elements are positioned at specific locations (edges or corners) of the protective plate rather than using continuous lateral guides. This localized fixing approach minimizes the number of contact points, reducing elastic deformations and warping while still securing the protective plate adequately. The fixed edges maintain good thermal contact with the heating plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is divided into discrete fixing elements rather than continuous lateral guides. These segmented fixing points provide sufficient attachment while minimizing the overall contact area that could cause warping. The spacing between fixing elements allows the protective plate to maintain its flatness and thermal contact with the heating plate.
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
The solution allows for easy cleaning and replacement of the non-stick protective plate without compromising thermal exchange, ensuring effective cooking and branding mark generation on griddles with corrugated surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a heating plate (18, 8) having a surface provided with alternate crests and troughs
Implementation Method 2
fixing elements (102, 104, 106, 108) adapted to exert a force on corresponding portions of the protective plate (70) close to the first or the second corrugated edge so as to push the protective plate (70) against the heating plate (18, 8)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cooking food products is provided. The apparatus includes at least one heating plate having a surface provided with alternate crests and troughs. The apparatus further comprises a fixing system adapted to detachably fix a corrugated protective plate, having a non-stick face, to said heating plate. The corrugated protective plate has a first and a second corrugated edge and alternate crests and troughs extending from the first to the second corrugated edge and adapted to match the alternate crests and troughs of the heating plate when the corrugated protective plate is fixed to the heating plate. Said fixing system comprises fixing elements adapted to exert a force on corresponding portions of the protective plate close to the first or the second corrugated edge so as to push the protective plate against the heating plate.