Electric Barbecue with Movable Heating Module for Easy Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric barbecues face challenges in maintaining efficient temperature control and easy cleaning, particularly when used outdoors or indoors in built-in or tabletop modes, due to fixed heating elements and sensors that hinder access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a movable heating module that includes both the heating element and temperature sensor, allowing it to switch between a horizontal heating position and a tilted cleaning position, ensuring easy access to the grill and facilitating cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heating element and temperature sensor are fixed in a static position, then the temperature control is stable and reliable, but the access to the grill for cleaning is obstructed and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between a horizontal operating position during cooking and a tilted cleaning position when the grill is removed. This dynamic reconfiguration enables easy access to the grill for cleaning while maintaining stable temperature control during operation through the integrated sensor and heating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into a separate movable module that can be independently positioned. This module contains the heating element and temperature sensor as an integrated unit, allowing it to be moved out of the way during cleaning without disrupting the overall barbecue structure or the temperature control function when in use.
2Device complexity
If the heating element and temperature sensor are integrated in one fixed module, then the device structure is simplified, but the maintenance and cleaning access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated heating module maintains its simplified structure but adds mobility through a hinge connection. This allows the module to be tilted away from the grill area for easy cleaning access while preserving the benefits of integration between the heating element and temperature sensor during normal operation.
3Productivity
If the heating module is positioned horizontally at the inner face of the grill, then the heating efficiency is maximized, but the cleaning access to the box structure is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module utilizes a hinge connection that allows it to rotate between a horizontal position for optimal heating efficiency and a tilted position for unobstructed cleaning access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining heating performance and enabling easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating module is given rotational freedom in a new dimension (angular movement via hinge), allowing it to transition from a fixed horizontal orientation to a tilted orientation. This adds a degree of freedom that enables both efficient heating and easy cleaning access without compromising either 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
Enables precise temperature control and easy cleaning by integrating the heating element and sensor in a movable module, enhancing user convenience and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating module provided at the inner face of each grill and comprising a coil heating element
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the grill
Data Source
AI summary
An electric barbecue, preferably built-in or tabletop and suitable for indoor or outdoor use; wherein the electric barbecue comprises: a grill or several grills placed side by side, each grill comprising an outer cooking face and an inner face; at the inner face of each grill a heating module is provided; each heating module comprising an electric coil heating element, independently controlled by a corresponding control device and a temperature sensor configured to measure the grill temperature; a box structure that removably supports the grill or grills at an upper opening; wherein each heating module is movably coupled to the box structure to move from a heating position of the corresponding grill in which it is at the inner face of the grill when supported by the box structure, to a barbecue cleaning position, wherein, once the corresponding grill is removed, it does not obstruct access to the box structure.