Grill Air Supply Control Using a Pivoting Ash Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grilling devices face challenges in user-friendly ash removal and air supply control, often resulting in cumbersome operation, ash leakage, and incomplete air sealing due to the design of bayonet-like connections and central air supply controls.
Innovation Solution
A grilling device featuring a pivoting fork with a helical gear mechanism allows for easy vertical adjustment of the ash container relative to the grill fire container, enabling user-friendly ash removal and air supply control without the need for excessive force, and an airtight ash container design that prevents ash escape during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bayonet-like connections are used for ash container attachment, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive force required and risk of unintentional grill movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a support structure that provides mechanical strength and anchoring, and a detachable connection element (clip or latch) that enables easy attachment and detachment. This segmentation allows the strong support structure to remain fixed while the removable connection element handles the user interaction, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If central air supply control is used, then the air supply control function is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to ash leakage and incomplete air sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply control function is extracted from the central/ash container area and relocated to the support structure surrounding the fire container. This extraction places the control mechanism in a position where it can effectively seal air passages without being exposed to ash, thereby maintaining both the air supply control function and the reliability of air sealing.
3Ease of operation
If air supply control is placed in ash container, then the ease of operation for air control is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to ash escape through control openings
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary between the ash container and the fire container, providing a dedicated location for air supply control that is neither in the ash container nor directly exposed to ash. This intermediary position allows the control mechanism to function effectively while being protected from ash contamination, maintaining both ease of operation and preventing harmful ash escape.
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 enhances user safety and convenience by simplifying ash container attachment and detachment, reducing the risk of unintentional grill movement, and achieving a complete air seal for precise heat control and ash containment.
Implementation Method 1
The movement device comprises a helical gear acting on the holder, by means of which the holder can be pivoted about the pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grill device (1), comprising a grill fire container (2) for a grill fire and an ash container (3), which is or can be fastened to the grill fire container (2) and which has an ash inlet. The ash inlet is directed toward the grill fire container (2). The air supply from the ambient air to the grill fire can be adjusted by means of a relative motion between the ash container (3) and the grill fire container (2). The relative motion is in the vertical direction, and a shape and/or a dimension of an air passage path bounded at least by the ash container (3) and the grill fire container (2) can be adjusted by means of the vertical relative motion. For the performance of the relative motion between the ash container (3) and the grill fire container (2), a motion apparatus (5, 8, 16, 17) having a movable retainer (5) for the ash container (3) is fastened indirectly or directly to the grill fire container (2). The grill device is characterised in that the retainer (5) comprises a pivoting fork, which is supported so as to be pivotable in relation to the grill fire container (2) about a normally horizontal pivot axis (14) and which has two fork legs, which accommodate and support the ash container (3) between the two fork legs, so that a pivoting motion of the pivoting fork (20) has a vertical motion component for raising and lowering the ash container (3), and that the motion apparatus (5, 8, 16, 17) has an actuating element (8) for pivoting the pivoting fork (20) about the pivot axis (14).