Grill Deflector Plate for Switchable Direct and Indirect Grilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grills lack a simple and efficient mechanism to switch between direct and indirect grilling methods while also failing to optimize energy usage and food flavor enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A guide plate with a rounded area and inclined sections, featuring indentations and slots for liquid drainage and air flow, which can be easily inserted and removed from a gas grill without tools, allowing for energy-efficient indirect cooking and enhanced flavor through controlled air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used to switch between direct and indirect grilling, then the grilling functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grill system is segmented into functionally independent components: a removable guide plate for indirect grilling, a separate direct grilling configuration, and modular burner arrangements. This allows users to switch between grilling methods by simply adding or removing the guide plate rather than operating a complex mechanical switching mechanism, thus maintaining versatility while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The grill system employs dynamic reconfigurability where the guide plate can be easily inserted and removed to change grilling modes. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between direct and indirect grilling configurations without requiring complex fixed mechanisms, achieving versatility through simple, flexible component arrangement
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional grilling without optimized heat distribution is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate features locally optimized characteristics with specific geometric designs including curved surfaces and strategically positioned openings that enhance heat distribution efficiency. These local quality improvements optimize thermal performance without requiring a complete redesign of the entire grill structure, thus improving energy efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate acts as an intermediary heat distribution element between the burners and the food. It mediates heat flow by directing and diffusing thermal energy uniformly across the grilling surface, improving energy efficiency without requiring direct modification of the burners or complex integrated heat management systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed grill structure is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grill system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically reconfigurable one by incorporating a removable guide plate. This allows the structure to adapt between different grilling configurations (direct and indirect grilling) simply by adding or removing the plate, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability
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 seamless switching between direct and indirect grilling, saves energy, improves occupational safety, and facilitates easy cleaning and dishwasher compatibility, while enhancing the flavor of grilled food.
Implementation Method 1
the heat from the heat source is guided laterally around the food to be grilled by means of a heat conducting device
Implementation Method 2
the heat from the heat source is guided laterally around the food to be grilled by means of a heat conducting device and only reaches the food to be grilled by deflection under the closed lid
Implementation Method 3
those areas of the wall which cause drops to evaporate due to their temperature are arranged inclined at an angle of 30° to 70° to the horizontal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a grill, for example a gas-powered grill according to the preamble of claim 1, for barbecuing, cooking or baking food on a grill grate or similar, particularly for use outdoors. It comprises a burner chamber (2) in which a burner arrangement (3) is provided, said burner chamber (2) having a foldable hood (5) that covers the grill grate (6) when closed. This should achieve simple and reliable conversion between direct and indirect grilling, and allow simultaneous, energy-saving direct and indirect grilling. The grill is provided with a baffle plate (14) made in a desired width in the direction of a main axis (17) of the burner chamber (2), covering at least one part of the burner arrangement (3), and being designed to extend between the front side and the rear wall of the burner chamber (2) and to lie on inner edges of the burner chamber (2).