Detachable Corrugated Non-Stick Plate for Cleanable Griddles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing griddles with non-stick coatings face challenges in cleaning and thermal efficiency due to the degradation of non-stick layers from aggressive cleaning methods and the use of low thermal conductivity backing paper sheets, which also impede branding mark generation on corrugated surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a heating plate featuring a corrugated protective plate having a non-stick face, detachably fixed using a fixing system that exerts compression forces along the edges to ensure secure attachment and prevent warping, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance without compromising thermal exchange.
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 when cleaned with aggressive cleaning tools
Solution Approach 1:
The heating plate system is segmented into two separate components: a reusable heating plate and a detachable protective plate with non-stick properties. This segmentation allows the protective plate to be removed and cleaned separately using aggressive methods without damaging the non-stick coating, while the heating plate maintains its structural integrity and heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate with non-stick coating is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This approach is more economical than repairing or replacing the entire heating plate assembly, and allows users to clean the protective plate aggressively without concern for permanent damage to the expensive heating elements.
2Ease of operation
If backing paper sheets are used between food and heating plate, then cleaning is simplified, but thermal conductivity is reduced and branding mark generation is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using thick thermal insulation backing paper, the invention employs a thin detachable protective plate that can be easily cleaned or replaced. This protective plate maintains sufficient thermal conductivity to allow efficient heat transfer and branding mark generation, while still providing the benefit of simplified cleaning through its detachable nature.
3Ease of operation
If the protective plate is made detachable for easy cleaning, then cleanability is improved, but the risk of detachment during cooking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded clips or snap-fit mechanisms that automatically adjust to maintain optimal clamping force. These mechanisms provide sufficient holding strength during cooking to prevent detachment, while allowing quick and easy removal when the release mechanism is activated for cleaning purposes.
4Device complexity
If compression forces are applied at side edges only, then the fixing system is simple, but the protective plate warps and detaches in central portions
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into multiple independent fixing elements distributed along the perimeter of the protective plate, including corners and intermediate positions. This segmentation ensures that compression forces are applied at multiple locations rather than concentrated at only two side edges, preventing warping and maintaining reliable attachment across the entire plate surface.
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 enhances the cleanability and replaceability of non-stick surfaces while maintaining efficient thermal transfer and branding mark generation, addressing the limitations of existing griddles by ensuring the protective plate adheres well to the heating plate, reducing the risk of detachment and maintaining cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating device (22) arranged under the first heating plate (8) for heating the latter
Implementation Method 2
an upper member (14) associated to a second heating plate (18)... a second heating device (32) arranged behind and in close proximity to the second heating plate (18) for heating the latter
Implementation Method 3
when the upper member (14) is displaced towards the base member (4), the second heating plate (18) comes to lie opposite to the first heating plate (8) so as to enclose the food products (10) therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for cooking food products is provided. The apparatus (1) includes at least one heating plate (8, 18) having a surface provided with alternate crests (65) and troughs (60). The apparatus (1) further comprises a fixing system (102, 104, 106, 108) adapted to detachably fix a corrugated protective plate (70), having a non-stick face, to said heating plate (8, 18). The corrugated protective plate (70) has a first and a second corrugated edge (76, 78) and alternate crests and troughs extending from the first to the second corrugated edge (76, 78) and adapted to match the alternate crests (65) and troughs (60) of the heating plate (8, 18) when the corrugated protective plate (70) is fixed to the heating plate (8, 18). Said fixing system (102, 104, 106, 108) comprises 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 (76, 78) so as to push the protective plate (70) against the heating plate (8, 18).