Interchangeable Grill Plates With Independent Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances, such as sandwich presses and electric grills, are limited in their functionality as they are typically configured for specific tasks and lack the ability to adjust cooking temperatures independently across different surfaces, restricting their versatility in cooking various food items.
Innovation Solution
A combination sandwich press and grill apparatus with interchangeable cooking surfaces, featuring temperature sensors and controllers that allow independent temperature control of both the upper and lower cooking plates, enabling the device to function as both a sandwich toasting press and a meat grill, with adjustable tilt and locking mechanisms for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sandwich press is configured with flat cooking surfaces for toasting sandwiches, then it performs well for sandwich toasting, but it cannot perform grilling functions requiring higher temperatures and ribbed surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements replaceable cooking plate assemblies that can be interchangeably mounted on the sandwich press. Users can swap between flat cooking plates for sandwich toasting and ribbed cooking plates for grilling, enabling the single device to perform multiple cooking functions without requiring separate appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking surface is segmented into removable plates that can be independently replaced. The cooking plate assembly is divided into separable components (plates, ribs, mounting mechanisms) that allow selective replacement of only the cooking surface element needed for the current task, rather than replacing the entire apparatus.
2Temperature
If a grill is configured with ribbed cooking surfaces for high-temperature grilling, then it achieves characteristic sear marks and juice runoff, but it cannot perform low-temperature sandwich toasting
Solution Approach 1:
The sandwich press is designed to accept multiple types of cooking plates including both flat plates for low-temperature toasting and ribbed plates for high-temperature grilling. The temperature control system is configured to accommodate the different temperature requirements of each plate type, enabling the same base unit to handle diverse cooking tasks across different temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking plate assembly incorporates adjustable and replaceable components that allow the system to dynamically adapt to different cooking requirements. The ribbed plates can be adjusted or replaced based on the specific grilling task, and the temperature control can be dynamically adjusted to match the appropriate cooking temperature for each plate type.
3Productivity
If separate sandwich press and grill appliances are used, then each appliance is optimized for its specific function, but it requires more kitchen space and time to operate multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a sandwich press and a grill into a single integrated apparatus. The base unit housing, heating elements, and control systems are merged, while the cooking plate assemblies are designed to be interchangeable between the two function types. This allows users to perform both sandwich toasting and grilling operations with one device, improving productivity by eliminating the need to operate separate appliances.
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
The apparatus provides versatile cooking options by allowing independent temperature control of interchangeable cooking surfaces, accommodating different cooking tasks and food types, while maintaining ease of use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the lower housing including a temperature sensor adapted to be in thermal communication with an engaged lower cooking plate
Implementation Method 2
The lower housing preferably includes a first power coupling for providing electrical power to a heating element of the engaged lower cooking plate
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A sandwich press and grill apparatus. The apparatus comprising a lower housing and an upper housing, each hingedly interconnected. The lower housing is adapted to releasably engage a lower cooking plate, the lower housing including a first temperature sensor adapted to be in thermal communication with an engaged lower cooking plate. The upper housing is coupleable to an upper cooking plate. A temperature controller is adapted to receive at least one temperature set point signal and to control the temperature of the lower cooking plate and the upper cooking plate.