Integrated Griddle Boiler Assembly for Space-Saving Steam Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional griddles require a separate boiler for supplying steam, which necessitates a large housing and occupies significant kitchen space, making it difficult to position them on existing cabinets or countertops.
Innovation Solution
The boiler for supplying steam is secured directly to the underside of the griddle, allowing steam to be delivered directly to a serpentine path for heating, enabling the griddle to be used as a cook-top on existing cabinets or countertops and allowing for optional integration with a cabinet for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate boiler is provided for supplying steam to the griddle, then steam supply function is achieved, but the housing size and kitchen space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boiler and griddle into a single integrated unit, where the boiler is positioned directly beneath the griddle cooking surface. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate housing for the boiler, reducing overall device volume while maintaining reliable steam supply function for cooking.
2Reliability
If a separate boiler is provided for supplying steam, then steam supply function is achieved, but the device cannot be positioned on existing cabinets or countertops
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the boiler within the griddle structure itself, the device becomes a self-contained cooking unit that can be freely positioned on existing cabinets, countertops, or mounted on walls, greatly enhancing installation flexibility while preserving steam supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design makes the griddle universally adaptable to various kitchen configurations and installation locations, allowing it to function as a standalone cooking device that can be placed anywhere a heat source and water supply are available.
3Reliability
If a separate boiler is used, then steam generation is achieved, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the boiler, water reservoir, and griddle into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components and connections required. This simplification lowers device complexity while maintaining effective steam generation for cooking operations.
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
This design reduces spatial requirements, enabling flexible placement and use of the griddle in kitchens while maintaining effective cooking performance.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is applied directly to the boiler for heating water disposed therein and supplying steam to the serpentine passageway
Implementation Method 2
heating water disposed therein and supplying steam
Implementation Method 3
the condensate collector tank being secured directly to the underside of the griddle
Implementation Method 4
steam to flow therethrough... supplying steam to the serpentine passageway for providing heat for cooking
Data Source
AI summary
A griddle for cooking a food product includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side, a second side, a front side and a rear side. A serpentine passageway is formed on the lower surface. A collector tank is secured directly to the lower surface adjacent to the first side of the griddle. The collector tank is in communication with the serpentine passageway formed on the lower surface. A boiler is secured directly to the lower surface adjacent to the second side of the griddle. The boiler is in communication with the serpentine passageway formed on the lower surface. Heat may be applied directly to at least one of the collector tank and the boiler for heating a fluid disposed therein and supplying the heated fluid to the serpentine passageway for providing heat for cooking a food product disposed on the upper surface of the griddle.