Height adjustable grilling accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charcoal grills lack efficient temperature control and the ability to add charcoal without removing the grilling rack, making it difficult to adjust cooking temperatures and feed the fire.
Innovation Solution
A grilling accessory with a rack holder subassembly and grilling rack subassembly that allows for vertical movement of the cooking surface relative to the heat source, enabling adjustable heat application and easy charcoal feeding without removing the food.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed grilling rack is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the cooking temperature cannot be adjusted and charcoal cannot be fed without removing the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The grilling rack is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one, allowing vertical adjustment along the grill body. The rack can be positioned at different heights to control the distance between food and heat source, enabling temperature adjustment without changing the overall grill structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill system is divided into separate functional components: a movable grilling rack, a rack holder mechanism, and a fixed grill body. This segmentation allows the rack to move independently for temperature control while maintaining structural stability of the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If the grilling rack is removed to feed charcoal, then charcoal can be added, but the cooking process is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The movable rack allows users to slide it vertically to access the charcoal compartment below without completely removing the rack. This dynamic positioning enables charcoal feeding during the cooking process while minimizing interruption to the cooking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack holder mechanism acts as an intermediary structure that supports the grilling rack at different positions. It provides a guided path for rack movement and includes features like notches or stops that allow the rack to be positioned conveniently for both cooking and charcoal feeding operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grilling rack is made movable for temperature control, then temperature adjustment is enabled, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rack holder incorporates a ratchet mechanism that allows the rack to be moved freely in one direction (upward) while automatically locking in position when force is applied in the opposite direction. This provides both adjustability and stability, allowing temperature control while preventing accidental movement during cooking.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides mechanical feedback through clicking sensations and audible clicks that confirm when the rack has engaged with a locking position. This feedback ensures users know the rack is securely positioned at the desired height, maintaining stability during the cooking process.
Data Source
AI summary
A grilling accessory for moving a cooking surface vertically up and down with respect to a heat source may include a rack holder subassembly designed to be positioned proximate to a heat source, a grilling rack subassembly designed to support food items and engage with the rack holder subassembly, and, optionally, a dish subassembly designed to accommodate the heat source. The rack holder subassembly may include a base frame; at least two arms extending from the base frame; and a plurality of grill rack supports extending from each of the at least two arms. The grilling rack subassembly may include a grill grate with grilling bars; and a pair of hangers extending from the grill grate, the pair of hangers designed to engage with the plurality of grill rack supports.