Portable cooking stations having interlocking sear grates and griddles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable cooking stations require separate cooking stations for searing and griddling, necessitating frequent changes and increasing complexity and space requirements when used with modular grate systems.

Innovation Solution

The integration of interlocking sear grates and griddles in a portable cooking station allows for simultaneous or sequential cooking without needing separate stations, with the griddle and sear grate configured in a side-by-side arrangement for efficient cooking and a face-to-face arrangement for reduced storage and transport footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate cooking stations are used for searing and griddling, then each cooking function can be performed independently, but the number of cooking stations increases and requires frequent changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking function versatilityVSAvoidnumber of cooking stations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a sear grate and a griddle into a single integrated cooking station assembly. The griddle is positioned adjacent to the sear grate, allowing both cooking functions to be performed simultaneously in one station rather than requiring separate stations. This merging reduces the number of cooking stations needed while maintaining full cooking versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cooking station serves multiple cooking functions through its dual-component design. The sear grate provides high-heat searing capability while the adjacent griddle offers flat-surface cooking for items like eggs or pancakes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized cooking stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate cooking stations are used for searing and griddling, then each function has dedicated equipment, but space requirements and storage footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking function versatilityVSAvoidstorage footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the sear grate and griddle into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the total space required for storage and transport. Instead of storing two separate cooking stations, users only need to store one compact integrated unit that provides both cooking functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate cooking stations are used for searing and griddling, then each function can be optimized independently, but the frequency of station changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoidstation change frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design allows both sear grate and griddle to be positioned adjacent to each other, enabling simultaneous cooking operations. Users can prepare multiple items requiring different cooking methods at the same time without needing to change stations, thereby reducing time loss and increasing cooking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11871871B2Portable cooking stations having interlocking sear grates and griddles

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS

AI summary

Portable cooking stations having interlocking sear grates and griddles are disclosed. An example portable cooking station includes a sear grate and a griddle. The griddle is configured to be removably interlocked to the sear grate in a side-by-side arrangement.