Grill housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barbecue grills pose a risk of heat and flare-ups that can damage adjacent structures, such as vinyl or wood-sided houses and composite decking, due to the accumulation of grease and byproducts, which can lead to intense and dangerous fires, and existing solutions fail to adequately protect these structures from heat, flames, and smoke.
Innovation Solution
A grill housing assembly with heat shields on the sides, back, and top, made from non-combustible materials like steel or aluminum, featuring spacers to maintain a safe air gap and an integrated exploding fire extinguisher ball for automatic flame extinguishment, which also prevents smoke and cooking residue from contaminating adjacent structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grill is positioned close to adjacent structures for convenient use, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of heat and flame damage to structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat shield assembly as an intermediary barrier between the grill and adjacent structures. This assembly includes heat-resistant panels positioned between the grill and structures like decks or walls, actively blocking heat transfer and flame propagation while allowing the grill to remain in convenient positions near structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heat shields are added to protect adjacent structures, then protection from heat and flames is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield assembly is segmented into multiple independent components including side panels, back panels, and top panels that can be separately installed and positioned. This modular approach allows for simplified installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection around the grill
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shield panels serve multiple functions: they block heat transfer, prevent flame propagation, reduce smoke exposure to structures, and provide a physical barrier against grease drips. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective devices
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spacers are installed to maintain air gap distance, then protection from heat transfer is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer system incorporates adjustable and removable features, allowing the air gap distance to be dynamically modified based on installation requirements. Spacers can be positioned at different locations or removed entirely if sufficient clearance already exists, maintaining protection effectiveness while adapting to various installation scenarios
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 grill housing assembly effectively protects adjacent structures from heat, flames, and grease fires by acting as a barrier, maintaining a safe distance and preventing smoke and residue contamination, while the fire extinguisher ball ensures immediate flame extinguishment in case of flare-ups.
Implementation Method 1
heat shields along at least the back, sides and top thereof to protect structures adjacent to an operational grill from heat and flare-ups
Implementation Method 2
a spacer on the rear side to provide an air gap and insure that the grill housing is not located too close to the adjacent structure
Data Source
AI summary
A protective grill housing assembly includes a bottom base panel, a rear panel, left and right side panels and a roof panel. Upper and lower spacer brackets are provided on the rear of the housing to prevent the grill housing from being placed too close to an adjacent structure. These spacers further ensure that the proper air gap is maintained to further insulate the adjacent structure from heat and flame transfer. A front panel assembly may includes at least one hinged door to provide access to the interior of the housing. Some embodiments may further include an integrated exploding fire extinguisher ball for quick automatic activation should a fire occur.