Griddle cooking station and method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor cooking stations lack a secure mechanism to attach griddles, which poses challenges during transportation and use, as griddles are often not secured to the cooking station.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor cooking station incorporates a locking structure with elongated apertures in the main body and corresponding recesses and abutment structures on the griddle legs, allowing for secure attachment and minimizing movement of the griddle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the griddle is made portable and removable for cleaning and seasoning, then ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but reliability and stability during use deteriorate due to potential accidental dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state through a release mechanism. The griddle can be securely locked during cooking operations, then easily removed for cleaning and seasoning. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both stability during use and ease of removal for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is applied locally at specific attachment points between the griddle and cooking station, rather than requiring complete integration. The locking structure engages with the main body at discrete locations, providing secure attachment where needed while maintaining the ability to remove the griddle for cleaning.
2Reliability
If the griddle is securely locked to the cooking station, then reliability and stability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a release mechanism that enables easy removal when needed. The system can be in a locked state for secure attachment during cooking, and can be quickly transitioned to an unlocked state for removal and cleaning, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operable by the user without requiring tools or complex procedures. The release mechanism allows the user to easily unlock and remove the griddle for cleaning, and to reattach it when needed, making the system self-servicing.
3Ease of repair
If the griddle is made removable for cleaning, then ease of maintenance is improved, but stability during transportation deteriorates due to potential movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides a stable locked state during transportation and use, then can be dynamically unlocked for cleaning. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring stability when the griddle is attached, while maintaining the ability to remove it for maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure engages at specific local points between the griddle and cooking station, providing stable attachment during transportation. The localized engagement points maintain structural integrity while allowing complete removal when unlocked for cleaning.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the griddle, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking structure on one component and a corresponding engagement structure on another. This segmentation allows for simpler individual parts that come together to provide secure attachment, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the griddle is placed on the cooking station, without requiring manual intervention. The release mechanism can also be operated with a simple action, reducing the complexity of operation while ensuring reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an outdoor cooking station having a main body and a griddle with a hood pivotably coupled to the griddle are provided. For safety purposes, the griddle is removably secured to an upper portion of the main body with the legs of the griddle positioned within apertures defined in an upward facing surface of the upper portion of the main body.