Grill Tool Holder Drainage Into the Grease Collection Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food service grills lack an efficient method to integrate tool holders that can drain grease and debris from tools back into the grease collection system, leading to clutter and inefficiencies in cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder is mounted to the sidewall of the grill with tool-holding compartments that have drainage ports directing grease and debris into the grease collection channel, utilizing a sheetmetal assembly design that straddles the upper edge of the sidewall and includes a removable grease collection tray for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool holder is mounted on the grill sidewall, then tool storage capability is improved, but grease and debris accumulate in the tool holder causing cleaning inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage port extracts grease and debris from the tool holder compartment and removes it from the system by channeling it into the grease collection channel, preventing accumulation and enabling continuous operation without frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage port acts as an intermediary element between the tool holder compartment and the grease collection channel, facilitating the transfer of grease and debris from one location to another where it can be properly collected and removed
2Ease of operation
If tool holder compartments extend above the sidewall upper edge, then tool accessibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is segmented into multiple compartments (first compartment for utensils, second compartment for cleaning tools) that can be independently structured and positioned, allowing each compartment to extend above the sidewall edge for accessibility while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder structure serves multiple functions: it provides storage compartments for different tool types, extends above the sidewall for accessibility, incorporates drainage ports for grease removal, and mounts to the sidewall structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single component
3Productivity
If drainage ports are added to the tool holder, then grease drainage capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage port structure is merged with the tool holder compartment walls, with the port formed directly in the compartment structure rather than as a separate component. This integration allows grease drainage functionality to be added while minimizing increases in device complexity through combined design
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 solution allows for seamless integration of tool holders with the grease collection system, enhancing cleanliness and maintenance efficiency by ensuring that grease and debris from tools are directed into the collection channel, reducing clutter and simplifying the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one drainage port positioned to drain the at least one tool-holding compartment into the grease collection channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A grill (20) has at least one grilling surface (32). A grease collection channel (42) is along at least one side of the grilling surface and has a sidewall (52) with an upper edge (70). A tool holder (80;300) is mounted to the sidewall and has at least one tool-holding compartment (82). The tool holder has at least one drainage port (134) positioned to drain the at least one tool-holding compartment into the grease collection channel (42).