Grill device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grill devices with a second heat source below the grill surface are limited in adjustability, making it difficult to heat food from various directions, especially when using a rotisserie, as the heat source must be exposed to flames or hot exhaust gases, restricting its directional control.

Innovation Solution

A grill device with a second heat source that is height-adjustable and pivotable, allowing it to emit heat in horizontal, vertical, or angled directions, enabling heating from the side, above, or simultaneously from multiple angles, with a pivot axis offset for compact design and easy adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the second heat source is made stationary and fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the heating direction and coverage area are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating direction controlVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second heat source is made movable rather than stationary, allowing it to be positioned at different locations above the grilling surface. The heat source can be moved vertically and horizontally to adjust the heating direction and coverage area, transforming a static heating solution into a dynamic one that adapts to different cooking requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second heat source is designed to perform multiple functions by being repositionable. It can serve as a top heat source for direct overhead heating, a side heat source when positioned laterally, or be adjusted to different heights for varying heat intensity. This single movable heat source replaces what would traditionally require multiple fixed heat sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the second heat source is positioned to heat from above, then it can function as a high-temperature beofer, but it cannot heat food from the side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating position flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second heat source incorporates vertical and horizontal movement capabilities, allowing operators to dynamically reposition it between different heating configurations. The heat source can be easily moved from a top-position for beofer-style cooking to a side-position for lateral heating, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex multi-position mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second heat source is made height-adjustable, then it can heat food from different distances, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating distance controlVSAvoidheight adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second heat source is mounted on a height-adjustable mechanism that allows vertical movement along the rear wall. This dynamic height adjustment enables operators to control the heating distance and intensity by simply moving the heat source up or down, rather than requiring multiple fixed-height heat sources or complex positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design provides a highly variable and efficient heating solution, allowing for precise heat direction control, enabling effective cooking of food on a rotisserie or as a high-temperature 'beefer' without requiring extensive adjustment mechanisms, while maintaining a compact footprint.

Implementation Method 1

the second heat source is pivotable about a pivot axis in order to adjust the direction of the desired heat radiation between a position for emitting heat in a horizontal direction and a position for emitting heat in a vertical downward direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3881735A1Grill device
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 ENDERS COLSMAN
  • EP3881735A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3881735A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3881735A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A grilling appliance comprises a grilling surface 7 for placing food to be cooked, a heat source located below the grilling surface 7 for heating food placed on the grilling surface 7, and a second heat source 8 located above the grilling surface 7. The second heat source 8 is adjustable such that, depending on the position of the second heat source 8, food placed on the grilling surface 7 can be heated from the side and/or from above. The second heat source 8 is mounted on a rear wall 6 of the grilling appliance 1, extending beyond the top of the grilling surface 7, and is height-adjustable by translation. The second heat source 8 can be pivoted about a pivot axis S to adjust the direction of the desired heat radiation between a position for emitting heat in a horizontal direction and a position for emitting heat in a vertical downward direction.