Foldable Grill Cart Gas Tank Guard to Prevent Multi-Tank Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill systems are often difficult to assemble and transport due to numerous components and complex setup requirements, lacking portability and flexibility, while permanent outdoor installations are expensive and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A grill system with a grill cart that can transition between a folded and upright state, featuring a gas tank guard that prevents additional gas tanks from being stored when upright, allowing for increased interior volume and safety, and can be easily assembled by one user without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grill cart is designed to be transitionable between folded and upright states for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but the interior volume available for storage is reduced when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The grill cart employs a transitionable structure that can dynamically change between folded and upright states. The cart includes movable sides that can be positioned in multiple configurations, allowing it to adapt its volume and shape based on whether it is being transported or used. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both portability when folded and adequate storage volume when upright.
2Volume of moving object
If the interior volume of the grill cart is increased to accommodate more items, then storage capacity is improved, but the risk of storing multiple gas tanks increases safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A gas tank guard structure is introduced as an intermediary element within the grill cart's interior. This guard physically blocks the placement of multiple gas tanks while still allowing the cart to maintain its useful interior volume for storing grilling accessories, tools, and other safe items. The guard acts as a mediator that prevents the harmful configuration (multiple gas tanks) while preserving the beneficial function (storage capacity).
Solution Approach 2:
The gas tank guard is pre-installed in the grill cart structure to prevent the harmful action of storing multiple gas tanks. By having this protective structure in place before use, the system proactively eliminates the safety hazard rather than relying on user awareness or post-incident measures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grill systems are designed with multiple components for functionality, then versatility is improved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grill cart design merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The cart body combines storage space, the gas tank guard safety feature, and the transitionable sides for portability all in one unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled while maintaining versatility, as the unified structure provides multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill cart is designed as a multi-functional universal platform that can accommodate various grilling accessories, tools, and equipment in its interior space. The transitionable sides and protective guard are universal features that serve multiple purposes: the sides provide both structural support and portability, while the guard provides both safety and structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a grill system is provided. The grill system can include a grill assembly. The grill assembly can include a grill cart, a burner box, and a gas tank guard coupled to the grill cart. The burner box is coupled to a top portion of the grill cart. The grill cart is transtionable between a folded state and an upright state. The interior volume of the grill cart is greater when the grill cart is in the upright state than when the grill cart is in the folded state. The gas tank guard is configured to prevent two or more gas tanks from being placed within the interior volume of the grill cart when the grill cart is in the upright state. The gas tank guard is coupled to the grill cart in both the folded state and the upright state. Other embodiments are also included herein.