Modular Griddle with Integrated Multi-Item Searing Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing griddles lack the ability to simultaneously sear multiple food items efficiently, requiring separate application for each item and lacking an integral storage solution for searing devices, which complicates high-throughput cooking operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular griddle system with an adjustable latching mechanism, an electromagnet, and a heated upper platen, allowing for simultaneous searing of multiple food items and efficient cable routing, along with interchangeable cooking attachments for various cooking functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a weighted searing implement is used to press food against the griddle surface, then individual food items can be seared, but multiple food items cannot be seared simultaneously and the device requires separate storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple searing implements into a single integrated searing device that can press multiple food items simultaneously. The device includes a frame with multiple pressing surfaces or arms that can contact several food items at once, eliminating the need for separate storage of multiple individual implements and increasing searing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The searing device is designed with adjustable components that allow it to accommodate different food item sizes and configurations. The pressing mechanism can be adjusted to press one or multiple food items depending on the cooking requirement, providing multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between throughput and storage.
2Manufacturing precision
If a weighted searing implement is used for each individual food item, then uniform caramelized sear can be achieved, but the process requires application to each item separately increasing time
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated searing device applies uniform pressure across multiple food items simultaneously through a rigid frame structure with multiple pressing points. This ensures consistent caramelized sear on all food items at the same time, maintaining sear uniformity while reducing total cooking time by processing multiple items in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the pressing function into multiple independent pressing surfaces or arms, each capable of contacting individual food items. This segmentation allows simultaneous application of uniform pressure to multiple items while maintaining the precision needed for consistent searing across all items.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized griddle equipment is used for different cooking functions (steaming, toasting, searing), then various cooking tasks can be performed, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The griddle system employs interchangeable attachments that can be mounted on a common base structure. Different cooking functions (steaming, toasting, searing) are achieved by swapping attachments rather than using separate dedicated equipment for each function. This reduces the total number of devices needed while maintaining versatility for various cooking tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking system is divided into modular functional components that can be independently selected and attached to the griddle base. Each attachment provides a specific cooking function, and the segmented design allows users to have only the attachments they need for specific tasks, reducing overall device complexity and storage requirements.
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
Enables efficient and ergonomic simultaneous searing of multiple food items, reducing cook time and improving food quality while providing convenient storage and easy attachment/detachment of cooking modules.
Implementation Method 1
an upper platen connected to the base frame and pivotable between the closed configuration and the open configuration, the upper platen comprising a heated upper platen including an electrically resistive heating element
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable electromagnet and adjustable ferrous plate may cooperate to help hold the griddle in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A griddle system includes one or more of a variety of performance-enhancing structures and functions. For example, an adjustable latching mechanism may provide for mechanical advantage when closing the griddle, particularly when the griddle is used to compress food items. An adjustable electromagnet and adjustable ferrous plate may cooperate to help hold the griddle in the closed position. The griddle may also feature a heated upper platen with efficient and robust cable routing features.