Double-Walled Grill With Movable Fuel Grate for Indirect Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kamado type grills face issues with being heavy and fragile, inefficient heat transfer, fixed fuel grate positions leading to uneven cooking, and poor air flow, which result in increased fuel consumption and difficulty in temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A grill design featuring a double-walled construction with key-shaped air intake slots, a movable fuel grate, and a double-walled deflector plate that can be supported by an annular retaining member, allowing for flexible cooking modes and improved air flow, enabling efficient direct and indirect cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If ceramic materials are used for the grill body and deflector plate, then heat retention and fuel efficiency are improved, but the grill becomes heavy and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite construction combining ceramic-coated metal components with stainless steel elements. The deflector plate is made of metal with ceramic coating rather than solid ceramic, providing heat retention benefits while reducing weight and improving durability. The grill body incorporates double-walled stainless steel construction with insulation, combining the advantages of metal strength with thermal insulation properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed fuel grate position is used, then the grill structure is simple, but cooking flexibility and temperature control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel grate is designed to be movable along the interior walls of the grill body, allowing users to adjust its position dynamically. This enables transition between direct cooking (grate closer to cooking surface) and indirect cooking (grate positioned lower), providing cooking flexibility without requiring a completely reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill interior is segmented into multiple functional zones with the fuel grate capable of occupying different positions. The deflector plate can also be positioned at different heights, creating separate cooking zones that can be independently controlled, allowing simultaneous direct and indirect cooking operations.
3Temperature
If a single-walled grill body is used, then manufacturing is simple, but heat distribution and air flow are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The grill body transitions from a single-walled to a double-walled construction, adding a third dimension to the structure. The double-walled design creates an insulating air gap that improves heat distribution and fuel efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized fabrication processes.
4Temperature
If a solid deflector plate is used, then heat deflection is effective, but air flow and convection are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate incorporates openings and perforations that allow air to pass through while still providing effective heat deflection. This porous design enables convection currents to flow through the plate, improving fuel efficiency and heat distribution without sacrificing the heat deflection function.
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 design enhances cooking flexibility, reduces fuel consumption, and improves temperature control and air flow, addressing the limitations of traditional Kamado grills while maintaining the slow cooking advantages.
Implementation Method 1
The lid (22) and grill body (24) are made of porcelain coated steel or stainless steel. In a preferred embodiment, the lid (22) is double walled with a hollow plenum (42) formed between the inner and outer walls. The grill body (24) is also double walled with a gap (47) formed between the inner body member (51) and the outer body member (50).
Implementation Method 2
The bottom of the grill body (24) includes a series of draft or air intake slots (28) that permit the introduction of combustion air into the grill (20).
Implementation Method 3
When indirect or slow cooking is desired, a ceramic deflector plate with upstanding legs is typically placed upon the tire ring with the legs pointed upward. The deflector plate is used to facilitate indirect cooking by providing a heat deflecting barrier between the cooking grid and the fuel grate. The ceramic deflector plate, in conjunction with the ceramic body and domed lid, are intended to radiate heal white preventing flames and heat from cooking the food too quickly.
Implementation Method 4
The ceramic components are thought to aid in the slow cooking and/or smoking process by retaining heat. In this manner, the ceramic heal deflector 9, in conjunction with the ceramic body and domed lid, are intended to radiate heal white preventing flames and heat from cooking the food too quickly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel efficient grill that permits effective direct and indirect cooking, permits movement of the fuel grate and has uniquely shaped air intake slots is provided.