Outdoor Griddle Grease Drain Assembly for Spill-Safe Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor griddles face challenges in grease and food byproduct management, with existing systems either unsightly, prone to spillage, or hazardous, and lack mobility and storage efficiency, as well as inefficient heat transfer and safety concerns due to open-air cooking surfaces and lack of lid coverage.
Innovation Solution
A modular outdoor griddle station with a heat source containment structure, a griddle member featuring a cooking surface with integrated elliptical drains and a fluid transfer assembly that directs grease to a receptacle, along with foldable legs, wheels, and an optional lid for enhanced mobility and safety, and a grease management system that includes a basin and hollow duct for efficient grease collection and heat shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a front channel drain system is used in commercial griddles, then grease drainage is achieved, but the griddle space is reduced and grease spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is extracted from the front channel location and repositioned to the rear of the griddle. The drain opening is positioned at the rear edge of the cooking surface, allowing grease to be collected and channeled backward to the reservoir without occupying front griddle space. This extraction resolves the contradiction by separating the drainage function from the cooking surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
A rear channel or gutter system serves as an intermediary structure that collects grease from the cooking surface and transports it to the reservoir. This intermediate channel prevents direct grease spillage onto the front griddle area while maintaining efficient drainage, thus resolving both the drainage effectiveness and spillage risk issues.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a collection reservoir is attached to the rear of the griddle, then grease collection is improved, but users are exposed to grease through proximity or accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is nested within the base structure of the griddle station, with the drain system integrated into the base. The reservoir sits in a recessed area of the base, and the drain channel is embedded within the base structure. This nesting arrangement contains the grease reservoir within the overall griddle assembly, preventing accidental contact while maintaining effective grease collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is positioned in a vertical dimension within the base structure rather than extending horizontally near the cooking surface. By placing the reservoir downward into the base and using vertical drain channels, the system removes the grease collection function from the user-exposed horizontal plane, thus reducing exposure risk while maintaining collection effectiveness.
3Strength
If griddles are made of heavy metal for durability, then strength is improved, but mobility and transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The griddle system is segmented into separate components: the cooking surface (griddle plate), the base structure with reservoir, and the heating element assembly. The griddle plate can be removed from the base, allowing users to transport only the lightweight cooking surface when mobility is needed, while the heavier base remains stationary. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the weight-bearing structural elements from the cooking surface.
4Ease of operation
If an open-air cooking surface is used, then cooking accessibility is improved, but grease splashing and clothing soiling increase
Solution Approach 1:
Raised edges or barriers are added only at the front and side edges of the cooking surface, creating localized containment zones where grease splashing is prevented. The rear portion of the cooking surface remains open to allow grease to flow naturally toward the rear drain. This selective application of containment structures maintains cooking accessibility while reducing grease splashing in the most critical areas.
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 solution provides a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor griddle station that effectively manages grease and food byproducts, enhances heat transfer, and improves mobility and storage, reducing the risk of accidents and messes while allowing for compact and versatile outdoor cooking.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred from the heating element to the food product via the griddle
Implementation Method 2
downwardly extending side walls extending in a convex manner from the proximal opening to the distal opening
Data Source
AI summary
System involved with but not limited to an apparatus including an outdoor griddle station with a system capable of communicating grease and other food byproducts from the cooking surface to a receptacle. A downwardly sloping opening in the cooking surface of the griddle member is disposed in nesting relation to and fluid communication with a basin situated beneath the griddle member. The basin is attached to a duct, forming a fluid transfer assembly that may pass through the heat source housing of the griddle station. The fluid transfer assembly is disposed over a receptacle capable of holding fluids. The receptacle may be removably supported by a bracket seat attached to the base of the griddle station such that the receptacle may be capable of being removed and replaced. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.