Removable Electric Griddle Cooktop for Burner Airflow Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas cooktop appliances with integrated griddles face limitations such as limited utility outside of griddle use, restricted griddle size due to burner positioning, and poor combustion and overheating issues due to airflow blockage.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop appliance design featuring a panel with multiple gas burners, a removable griddle assembly with an electric heating element, and a switch that obstructs gas fuel flow when the griddle is in use, allowing for efficient electric heating and preventing combustion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an integrated griddle is positioned over a gas burner, then the griddle can be heated by combustion, but the griddle blocks significant airflow to the burner leading to poor combustion and excessive heating of cooktop components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas burner heating system with an electric heating element when a griddle is in use. The electric heating element is positioned beneath the griddle and connected to a power source, substituting the combustion-based mechanical system with an electrical heating system that does not require airflow for combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the heating source automatically switches between gas burner and electric heating element based on the presence of a griddle. When no griddle is present, the gas burner operates normally; when a griddle is detected, the system transitions to electric heating mode, allowing the system to adapt its heating mechanism to the cooking configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an elongated gas burner is used to heat the integrated griddle evenly, then heating uniformity improves, but the burner provides limited utility outside of griddle heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional heating system where the cooktop can operate in multiple modes: gas burner heating for pots and pans, electric heating for griddles, and combinations thereof. The electric heating element serves as an additional heating source that complements the gas burners, allowing the system to handle various cooking configurations and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heating function into separate independent systems: gas burners for direct flame heating and an electric heating element for griddle heating. This segmentation allows each heating system to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility, as each can operate independently or in combination with the other.
3Area of stationary object
If the griddle size is increased, then more cooking surface is available, but the griddle cannot be properly centered over the gas burners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension of heating by placing an electric heating element beneath the griddle, independent of the horizontal burner positioning. This allows the griddle to be positioned optimally for cooking surface area without being constrained by the need to center it over specific burners, as the electric heating element provides the necessary thermal energy regardless of horizontal alignment.
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 even heating of large griddles, maintains burner functionality, and prevents combustion inefficiencies, providing a versatile and efficient cooking solution.
Implementation Method 1
An electric heating element is mounted to the griddle plate
Implementation Method 2
heated by combustion of gaseous fuel and air at the gas burner
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop appliance includes a plurality of gas burners positioned at an outer surface of a panel. A griddle plate may be positioned over at least one gas burner of the plurality of gas burners. An electric heating element is mounted to the griddle plate. A socket on the panel may receive a plug of the electric heating element. A switch configured for obstructing gas fuel flow to the at least one gas burner of the plurality of gas burners when the griddle plate is positioned over the at least one gas burner of the plurality of gas burners.