Foldable grill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barbeque grills occupy space when not in use, are aesthetically unpleasing, and require time and effort to prepare charcoal for grilling, often resulting in uneven heating due to lack of airflow.
Innovation Solution
A foldable grill design that converts from an open horizontal configuration to a closed vertical configuration, featuring a butterfly-leaf hinge mechanism, improved airflow through ventilation ports and channels, and a chimney effect for quick coal preparation, allowing for efficient and even heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the grill is designed as a conventional stationary structure, then it provides stable grilling function, but it occupies space and looks like an eyesore when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The grill is divided into two separate grill portions that can be independently folded and stored. Each grill portion can be detached and placed inside the hollow body, allowing the grill to be compacted into a minimal storage space while maintaining full grilling functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The grill employs a dynamic folding mechanism with hinges and butterfly-leaf opening/closing mechanisms that allow transition between open and closed configurations. This dynamic structure enables the grill to adapt between occupying minimal storage space and providing stable grilling surface area as needed
2Volume of moving object
If the grill is folded into a compact vertical pillar, then it takes up minimal space and is easily storable, but airflow may be restricted affecting heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body structure provides localized airflow channels that are strategically positioned to maintain air circulation even when the grill is in closed configuration. Ventilation ports are located at specific locations on the body to ensure continuous oxygen supply to the charcoal chamber during storage and ignition phases
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow body pre-channels air flow paths that are activated when charcoal is placed inside. The structured hollow interior acts as a pre-configured airflow system that automatically directs oxygen to the fuel source, eliminating the need for additional airflow mechanisms while maintaining heating efficiency
3Ease of operation
If charcoal is prepared using traditional methods with newspapers and manual arrangement, then it can be ignited, but it requires significant time and effort (15-35 minutes burning time)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for newspapers and manual charcoal arrangement by providing a dedicated charcoal chamber with structured airflow paths. The hollow body itself serves as the ignition and preparation system, removing the time-consuming steps of arranging fuel and waiting for extended burning periods
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow body acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates efficient charcoal ignition and preparation. It provides a controlled environment with optimized air circulation that accelerates the heating process, serving as a mediator between the user and the charcoal fuel to reduce preparation time and effort
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 foldable grill addresses space and aesthetic issues by being easily stored, reduces preparation time, and ensures consistent food heating through enhanced airflow and chimney ignition, making it more appealing and functional.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow body provides a chimney effect to quickly ignite the charcoal
Implementation Method 2
the grill is designed to improve airflow through the unit to ensure efficient and even heating while grilling
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable grill for housing a charcoal fire, the foldable grill including: (a) a body, the body having at least partially an empty internal volume; (b) a first grill portion and a second grill portion, the first and second grill portions being hingedly coupled together and in slidable communication with the body, the foldable grill adapted to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, the first and second grill portions are disposed within the empty internal volume.