Grill Adapter for Outdoor Warming Without Separate Patio Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor dining areas near hinged, covered grills often become uncomfortably cool as temperatures drop, necessitating separate heating solutions like patio heaters or fireplaces, which are not always convenient or necessary.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor warming adapter device that fits between the cover and base of a hinged, covered grill, holding the cover partially open and shielding the gasket area from combustion heat, reflecting it horizontally to warm the surrounding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the grill cover is kept closed during cooking, then cooking efficiency is improved, but outdoor dining comfort deteriorates due to heat being trapped inside
Solution Approach 1:
The grill cover is segmented into two functional zones: a closed portion for cooking and an open portion for warming. The adapter device creates a partial opening that allows the cover to serve dual purposes - maintaining cooking efficiency while providing outdoor warmth for diners.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device acts as an intermediary component between the closed grill cover and the outdoor environment. It modifies the cover's function by creating a controlled partial opening that redirects heat toward the outdoor dining area while maintaining the integrity of the cooking chamber.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate patio heaters or fireplaces are used for outdoor warming, then outdoor dining comfort is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device enables the grill to perform multiple functions - cooking and outdoor warming - using a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate patio heaters or fireplaces, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining outdoor dining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill's own heat source is utilized to provide outdoor warming, making the system self-sufficient. The adapter device redirects the heat already generated by the grill toward the outdoor dining area, eliminating the need for additional independent heating systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the grill cover is fully opened to warm the outdoor area, then outdoor dining comfort is improved, but cooking efficiency deteriorates due to heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The grill cover is segmented into two functional zones: a closed portion for cooking and an open portion for warming. The adapter device creates a partial opening that allows the cover to serve dual purposes - maintaining cooking efficiency while providing outdoor warmth for diners.
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
Enables comfortable outdoor warming without additional heating devices, utilizing the grill's existing heat source to extend the outdoor dining experience by warming the surrounding area without the need for separate heaters or fires.
Implementation Method 1
a cover obstructing portion that shields the majority of the cover gasket and cover opening area from combustion heat rising from a heat source in the base
Implementation Method 2
reflects such combustion heat in a generally horizontal direction away from the hinge and towards the grill front
Data Source
AI summary
A patio or other outdoor dining space can be warmed using an outdoor warming adapter device temporarily installed in a partially opened hinged covered grill having a base and cover joined by the hinge, a cover handle and grill front opposite the hinge, and a gasketed cover periphery that defines a cover opening area. The adapter device includes a cover supporting portion that holds the cover and base apart in a partially opened position when the adapter device is inserted between the cover and base and the cover is rotated towards the base, and a cover obstructing portion that shields the majority of the cover gasket and cover opening area from combustion heat rising from a heat source in the base and reflects such combustion heat in a generally horizontal direction away from the hinge and towards the grill front.