Grill basket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill baskets with fixed handles limit the orientation of the basket, making it difficult to cook irregularly-shaped foods and can lead to food sticking and burning due to the fixed orientation. Additionally, the handles can obstruct cleaning and storage.
Innovation Solution
A grill basket with a removable handle that can be engaged with the basket in multiple locations, allowing for different orientations, and includes selectively removable dividers to compartmentalize the interior for varied cooking configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is fixed to the basket in a specific location, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the basket can only be used in one orientation which limits cooking flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The handle attachment structure is segmented into multiple discrete engagement assemblies positioned at different locations on the basket. Each engagement assembly includes independent tabs and openings that allow the handle to be attached at multiple orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), transforming a single-function fixed handle into a multi-functional adjustable handle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle attachment transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic reconfigurable position. The engagement assemblies with tabs and openings enable the handle to be moved between different attachment points during use, allowing the basket orientation to be adjusted dynamically based on cooking requirements while maintaining a simple snap-fit connection mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is elongate to keep the user's hand away from heat, then safety is improved, but the basket can only be used in one orientation and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handle's attachment position is made dynamic through the engagement assemblies. The handle can be repositioned between multiple attachment points on the basket, enabling the user to adjust the basket orientation for optimal cooking while maintaining safe hand distance. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the conflict between safety and cooking flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the handle is integrally formed with the basket, then the structure is simplest and most reliable, but cleaning becomes difficult and storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extracted from the integral structure and made into a separate component that attaches to the basket through engagement assemblies. This allows the handle to be removed when not in use, enabling complete access to all surfaces of the basket for cleaning and reducing storage space requirements, while still maintaining a simple attachment mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the basket has a fixed orientation, then the structure is simple, but irregularly-shaped food cannot be cooked properly and food may stick and burn
Solution Approach 1:
The handle attachment system is segmented into multiple engagement assemblies positioned at different locations and orientations on the basket. This segmentation allows the basket to be oriented in multiple directions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to accommodate irregularly-shaped food items, enabling proper heat exposure and preventing sticking while maintaining a relatively simple snap-fit attachment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A grill basket including a basket portion having a bottom with sides extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom. A handle is removably engageable with one of a plurality of engagement assemblies that are provided on different sides of the basket portion. The handle is selectively engaged with different engagement assemblies in order to change the orientation in which the grill basket is able to be used. The grill basket further includes one or more removable dividers that are movable between a storage position and a use position. In the storage position the one or more dividers are located proximate one or more sides of the basket portion and an interior compartment of the basket portion is substantially the same size as when the one or more dividers are completely removed from the basket portion. In the use position, the dividers are placed to divide the interior compartment into smaller compartments.