Hinged Grate Clamping Module for Full-Grid Food Grilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grilling devices with enclosed baskets for rotating or flipping food items require a circumference smaller than the grill's cooking grid, limiting their functionality and size compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A grilling device featuring a pair of hingedly attached grates with a first handle for angular positioning and a second handle for fixation, allowing the grates to be clamped onto food items and flipped, with the module being sized to replace or complement the grill's cooking grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If enclosed baskets are used for rotating or flipping food items, then food items can be rotated or flipped during grilling, but the circumference of the basket must be smaller than the cooking grid, limiting size compatibility and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed basket is segmented into two separate parallel grates that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the grates to be opened for loading food items of various sizes and closed for grilling, eliminating the need for a complete enclosure and enabling compatibility with different grill sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid enclosed basket is transformed into a dynamic structure where the two grates can move relative to each other between open and closed positions. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to different food item sizes and grill dimensions while maintaining the flipping functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a pair of grates are hingedly attached with one handle, then the grates can be opened and closed, but the grates cannot be securely fixed in the closed position for stable grilling
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is extracted as a separate mechanism from the hinge mechanism. A second handle with a latch mechanism is added specifically for securing the grates in the closed position, while the first handle maintains the hinge function for opening and closing. This separation allows each mechanism to optimize its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two handles, providing a secure connection that maintains the closed position of the grates during grilling. The latch transfers and maintains the clamping force, ensuring stable fixation without requiring continuous manual pressure.
3Area of stationary object
If the grates are sized to cover or replace the cooking grid, then the device can handle larger food items, but the device becomes harder to maneuver and flip
Solution Approach 1:
The manual lifting and flipping mechanism is supplemented with a mechanical advantage system using the two handles positioned to provide leverage. The handles are configured to allow the user to apply force efficiently, reducing the effort required to maneuver and flip the larger grate assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A food grilling device for clamping food items for grilling includes a clamping module, which is complementarily to a cooking grid of a grill. The clamping module can be positioned upon or removably replace the cooking grid. The clamping module comprises first and second handles to which is attached a pair of grates. At least one grate is hingable relative to the first handle. The grates are selectively positionable in open and closed configurations, wherein one grate extends angularly from the other and wherein the grates are substantially parallel planar, respectively. The second handle is hingedly attached to one grate and is selectively attachable to the other grate. The clamping module thus can clamp onto a food item with the first and second handles enabling a user to flip the clamping module and the food item, as needed.