Integrated Griddle Boiler Assembly for Compact Steam Cooking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional griddles require a separate boiler for steam supply, leading to a large housing and space constraints, making it difficult to position them on existing cabinets or countertops in kitchens.
Innovation Solution
A griddle design where the boiler for supplying steam is secured directly to the underside, allowing steam to be generated and distributed directly to a serpentine path within the griddle, enabling its use as a cook-top on existing cabinets or countertops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate boiler is provided for supplying steam to a continuous path within the griddle, then steam supply function is achieved, but the housing size increases and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the boiler and griddle into a single integrated unit where the boiler is positioned directly beneath the griddle cooking surface. This merging eliminates the need for a separate boiler housing, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining the steam supply function for cooking.
Solution Approach 2:
The boiler is nested within the griddle structure, specifically positioned in the space directly below the cooking surface. This nesting arrangement allows the boiler to occupy otherwise unused space, achieving compact design without compromising the steam generation and distribution functionality.
2Reliability
If a separate boiler is provided for supplying steam, then steam generation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boiler and griddle into a single integrated appliance with unified control systems and coordinated components. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate installation, control, and maintenance of independent boiler and griddle systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated boiler-griddle unit serves multiple functions including steam generation, direct heating, and cooking operations through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate specialized devices while achieving all required cooking capabilities.
3Reliability
If a separate boiler is used, then steam supply capability is maintained, but adaptability to existing cabinets or countertops decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-contained integrated unit that can be installed as a standalone appliance on existing countertops or cabinets without requiring separate boiler installation. This integration significantly improves adaptability to various kitchen configurations and existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the boiler beneath the griddle cooking surface, allowing the unit to fit within standard cabinet heights while maintaining full functionality. This dimensional arrangement enhances adaptability to existing kitchen spaces without requiring horizontal expansion.
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 allows for a compact griddle setup that can be used on existing countertops or combined with a cabinet for storage, providing a versatile cooking solution while optimizing kitchen space.
Implementation Method 1
Heat may be applied directly to the single boiler for generating steam disposed therein and supplying the steam to the serpentine passageway
Implementation Method 2
supplying the steam to the serpentine passageway for providing heat for cooking a food product disposed on the cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A griddle for cooking a food product includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side, a second side, a front side and a rear side. A serpentine passageway is formed on the lower surface. A collector tank is juxtaposed and secured directly in touching contact with the lower surface adjacent to the first side of the griddle and is in communication with the serpentine passageway. A boiler is juxtaposed and secured directly in touching contact with the lower surface adjacent to the second side of the griddle and is in communication with the serpentine passageway. Heat applied directly to at least one of the collector tank and the boiler for heating a fluid disposed therein and supplying the heated fluid to the serpentine passageway for providing heat for cooking a food product disposed on the upper surface of the griddle.