Griddle Plate Structure Using Differential Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High barbecue temperatures cause thermal expansion and bending of metal griddle plates in cooking hobs, particularly in Teppan Yaki grills, which existing solutions fail to adequately address with low complexity.
Innovation Solution
A griddle plate design where the central portion is thicker than the frame portion, with a welded joint forming a rigid body, and materials are chosen such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer portion is higher than the inner portion, reducing pressure and preventing bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high temperatures are used for barbecue cooking, then cooking performance is improved, but thermal expansion causes bending of the metal plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the plate by creating a composite structure with different material compositions in different zones. The central cooking zone uses a single-layer metal construction with high thermal conductivity for rapid heating, while the peripheral support zone uses a multi-layer composite structure with lower thermal conductivity and different expansion characteristics. This parameter differentiation allows the plate to withstand high temperatures while the peripheral zone compensates for thermal expansion to maintain overall flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite material construction by combining different metal layers in the peripheral support zone. This multi-layer composite structure has different thermal expansion coefficients compared to the single-layer central zone, creating an internal compensation mechanism that counteracts the bending caused by thermal expansion during high-temperature barbecue cooking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the plate is made as a rigid body to prevent bending, then structural stability is improved, but thermal stress concentrates and may cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different structural characteristics to different zones of the plate. The central cooking zone is designed as a single-layer structure optimized for heat distribution, while the peripheral support zone is designed as a multi-layer composite structure optimized for mechanical stability and thermal stress management. This local differentiation allows each zone to perform its specific function while collectively preventing bending and reducing stress concentration.
3Strength
If the central portion is made thicker to increase rigidity, then resistance to bending is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plate into distinct functional zones: a central cooking zone and a peripheral support zone. Each zone has its own structural characteristics - the central portion is thicker and single-layer for rigidity and heat retention, while the peripheral portion is multi-layer for stress management. This segmentation allows the thicker central portion to be manufactured separately and then joined to the peripheral zone, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to making the entire plate uniformly thick.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where the peripheral support zone consists of multiple metal layers with different properties. This composite structure provides both mechanical support and thermal management while being manufacturable through standard multi-layer fabrication techniques, reducing the complexity compared to creating a uniformly thick rigid plate.
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 design effectively reduces or eliminates bending of the griddle plate by creating a rigid connection through differential thermal expansion, maintaining structural integrity under high heat conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the join patch is a welded joint
Implementation Method 2
the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material of the outer portion is higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material of the inner portion. The higher thermal expansion of the outer portion reduces or prevents the pressure from the outer portion to the inner portion, so that the bending of the inner portion and the griddle plate is reduced or completely avoided
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooking hob including at least one griddle plate (10). The griddle plate (10) includes a central portion (12). The central portion (12) is formed as a metal plate. The griddle plate (10) includes a frame portion (14) enclosing the central portion (12). The coefficient of thermal expansion for the material of the frame portion (14) is higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material of the central portion (12). A join patch (16) connects the central portion (12) and the frame portion (14), so that the central portion (12) and the frame portion (14) form a rigid body. Further, the present invention relates to a corresponding griddle plate.