Modular and Multi-Functional Grill Devices and Kits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grills are bulky, inflexible, and difficult to transport and configure for multiple uses, posing challenges in storage, manipulation, and safety during outdoor cooking.

Innovation Solution

A modular grill device with a reversible and adjustable grate, cover, and handle that can be configured into various settings, including standalone, windscreen, griddle, and fire pit configurations, allowing for compact storage and easy transport, and enabling users to control heat intensity by adjusting leg positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a grill is designed with a fixed size and components, then it provides stable grilling functionality, but it becomes bulky and difficult to store and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrilling functionalityVSAvoidstorage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The grill is divided into separate modular components including a grate assembly, cover assembly, and handle assembly that can be detached and stored separately. This segmentation allows each component to be compactly stored while maintaining full grilling functionality when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grate assembly nests within the cover assembly when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration. The handle can be attached to either assembly, and all components fit together in a nested arrangement that minimizes storage volume while preserving complete grilling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If a grill has a fixed configuration, then it is simple in structure, but it cannot be reconfigured for alternative uses such as making sauces or protecting from wind

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective windscreen when positioned upright, a cooking surface for sauces when placed horizontally, and a protective cover when assembled with the grate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for different cooking tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The grill components are designed with movable and adjustable elements including hinged legs that can be positioned at various angles, and a handle that can be attached to different assemblies. This dynamic design allows reconfiguration for multiple uses while maintaining relatively simple structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a grill is made large and robust, then it provides stable cooking surface, but it becomes difficult to manipulate and move during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking surface stabilityVSAvoidmanipulability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is extracted as a separate component that can be attached to either the grate or cover assembly as needed. This allows the user to grip and manipulate the hot assembly without direct hand contact, improving safety and ease of operation while maintaining the structural integrity of the cooking surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is designed with an asymmetric elongated shape that provides optimal grip positioning for user comfort and control. The handle's extended length creates leverage advantage, making it easier to manipulate the heavy grill assembly while maintaining cooking surface stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Device complexity

If a grill lacks an extended handle, then it has simpler structure, but users cannot safely manipulate the grill when it is hot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent countVSAvoidheat exposure to user

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly acts as an intermediary tool between the user's hand and the hot grill assembly. By attaching the handle to the grate or cover, users can manipulate the hot components through the extended handle without direct hand contact, effectively mediating the thermal exposure while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230309744A1Modular and Multi-Functional Grill Devices and Kits

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 DICKERSON RYAN L

AI summary

A modular and multi-functional grill device which includes a grate with legs attached thereto, a cover, and a handle. The legs are pivotally configured and reversibly secured at a plurality of positions to define a height of the grate relative to a heat source. The cover may be reversibly attached to the grate in a plurality of configurations for a plurality of uses, such as a tray for holding fuel for combustion, a serving platter, a windscreen to protect from weather elements, or a griddle. Finally, the handle may be reversibly attached to the grate, cover, or both and thus used to move/hold the grate and/or cover. The handle is also used to reversibly secure the grate to the cover when the grill device is in a storage or transport configuration.