Two-Piece Grill Lid Venting for Clear Access and Shelf Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor grills have limited shelf space due to the lid's position, obstruct the operator's view and interaction, and direct smoke and hot gases towards the operator when opening the lid, posing safety and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A grill design with a large shelf area surrounding three sides, a two-piece lid that vents smoke upward when closed, and pivots down to avoid interference with the cooking surface, and optional sliding or folding shelves to enhance workspace and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is positioned on the opposite side of the cooking surface from the operator, then the cooking surface is covered when not in use, but shelf space is limited and the operator cannot converse or interact with anyone facing him
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows one lid half to cover the cooking surface while the other lid half can be positioned to create shelf space and allow operator interaction, resolving the contradiction between coverage and space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid halves are designed to pivot down and below the sides of the grill body, utilizing the vertical dimension and side spaces. This dimensional change allows the lid to provide coverage when needed while creating accessible space above and around the cooking surface for shelves and operator interaction.
2Reliability
If the lid is positioned on the opposite side of the cooking surface from the operator, then the cooking surface is covered when not in use, but the operator cannot converse or interact with anyone facing him due to lid blocking vision and creating hot surface proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows one lid half to cover the cooking surface while the other lid half can be positioned away to allow operator interaction and conversation, resolving the contradiction between coverage and interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid halves are designed to be movable and reconfigurable, allowing the operator to position them dynamically based on whether cooking surface coverage or operator interaction is the priority at any given moment.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is opened to access the cooking surface, then the operator can use the grill, but smoke and hot gases exit directly toward the operator, preventing immediate vision or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is extracted from the lid opening action. Vents are provided in the lid halves and grill body that allow smoke and hot gases to be vented away from the operator independently of lid position, so opening the lid for access does not necessarily direct harmful gases toward the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent system acts as an intermediary that manages the flow of smoke and hot gases separately from the lid opening mechanism, directing these gases away from the operator through dedicated vent paths rather than allowing them to exit directly toward the operator when the lid is opened.
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 design provides ample shelf space, allows for safe interaction and conversation, and effectively vents smoke and heat away from the operator, improving usability and safety by reducing flare-ups and enhancing the cooking experience.
Implementation Method 1
the grill of the invention vents the flue gases and smoke through the upper surface of the lid when closed
Implementation Method 2
smoke and flue gas not fully vented exits vertically upward as the two lid halves open
Data Source
AI summary
A grill has a base that supports a grill body. A right and left lid are hingedly affixed to the grill body. The lids interconnect to ensure that they open and close together. A plurality of vents is defined by an upper surface of the lids. A shelf having a right portion, a left portion, and a rear portion substantially surrounds the grill body except for the operator position to the front of the grill body. The shelf and the right side of the grill body define a right retracting space. The shelf and the left side of the grill body define a left retracting space. The lids pivot outwards into the left and right retracting spaces to retracted positions wherein the uppermost portions of the lids and the uppermost surface of the grill body are substantially even with or below an upper surface of said shelf.