Griddle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor griddles face challenges with inaccessible grease collection receptacles, limited ability to provide individual cooking zones of different sizes and temperatures, and inefficient heat redirection to the cooking surface.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a grease drip flange with a downward angle for easy grease collection, a hanger bracket with a squeegee for convenient grease scraping, and multiple burner assemblies with dual gas valves and control knobs to create individually selectable cooking zones and heat levels, along with vent openings to redirect heat towards the cooking surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grease receptacles are placed in traditional locations on existing outdoor griddles, then the griddle structure is simple, but the grease receptacles become difficult to access and empty
Solution Approach 1:
The grease receptacle is repositioned from a horizontal placement within the griddle body to a vertical suspension below the cooking surface using a U-shaped bracket. This dimensional change allows the receptacle to hang in an easily accessible location while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward bracket attachment system
2Ease of operation
If grease receptacles are placed in easily accessible locations, then ease of operation improves, but the griddle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it suspends the grease receptacle in an accessible position, provides a built-in squeegee surface for scraping grease, and attaches to the griddle structure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate components, achieving ease of operation without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that combines grease receptacle suspension, grease scraping surface, and structural attachment features. This universal component performs multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate parts, maintaining simplicity while improving operational ease
3Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor griddles provide expansive cooking surfaces, then cooking capacity increases, but the ability to provide individual cooking zones of different sizes and temperatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking surface is divided into multiple independent cooking zones, each with its own burner assembly and temperature control. This segmentation allows different zones to operate at different temperatures simultaneously, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular burner designs
Solution Approach 2:
The burner assemblies are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing users to dynamically change the number, size, and temperature of active cooking zones based on cooking needs. This dynamic capability provides adaptability without requiring a completely complex fixed system
4Use of energy by moving object
If heat is generated by burners, then cooking capability is provided, but heat redirection to the griddle cooking surface is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Heat redirection features are implemented locally at specific points where burners interface with the griddle body, rather than requiring a comprehensive complex heat distribution system. This localized approach improves heat transfer efficiency where needed without adding overall system complexity
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 enhances accessibility for grease collection, allows for flexible and temperature-controlled cooking zones, and optimizes heat distribution, improving safety, temperature control, and cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a grease drip flange having an upper most precipice at which said grease drip flange extends away from the cooking surface at a downward angle
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of burner assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of burner assemblies comprises: a first gas input port communicating with a front venturi, which in turn communicates with a ring-shaped front burner; and a second gas input port communicating with a rear venturi, which in turn communicates with a ring-shaped rear burner
Implementation Method 3
along with vent openings to redirect heat towards the cooking surface
Implementation Method 4
vent openings to redirect heat towards the cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A griddle having a grease management system and independent cooking zones is disclosed. The griddle may have a cooking surface back wall with an opening provided therein for grease removal. A grease drip flange may extend away from the cooking surface at a downward angle at or near the back wall opening. A removable grease receptacle having a pivotable handle, as well as a squeegee element, may be provided below the grease drip flange. The independent cooking zones may be provided by burner assemblies having front and rear burners that provide different levels of heat using a single dual gas control valve.