Modular griddle with searing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing griddle cooking systems lack the ability to simultaneously sear multiple food items efficiently, requiring individual application of searing devices and lacking integral storage solutions, which hampers high-throughput cooking operations and poses ergonomic challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular griddle system with a pivotable searing device that can be attached to a base frame, allowing for simultaneous searing of multiple items and easy tool-free attachment/removal, featuring a counterbalance mechanism to maintain even pressure and prevent steam/heat release towards the operator.
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 space
Solution Approach 1:
The searing device is divided into multiple independent pressing elements (first pressing element, second pressing element, etc.) that can simultaneously contact multiple food items. Each pressing element can be independently positioned to press against individual food items placed on the griddle surface, enabling parallel processing of multiple items.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multiple pressing elements that can accommodate various food item sizes and arrangements. The pressing elements can be adjusted or reconfigured to handle different cooking scenarios, making the device versatile for various griddle cooking tasks rather than limited to single-item searing.
2Ease of operation
If a non-integral searing device is used, then the griddle surface remains accessible, but a convenient storage location must be provided and the device must be manually handled for each item
Solution Approach 1:
The searing device is integrated with the griddle structure through a mounting mechanism that allows the device to be securely attached to the griddle. This integration eliminates the need for separate storage locations and automatic repositioning, as the device remains in a fixed, accessible position on the griddle surface during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an automatic repositioning mechanism that uses the griddle's surface geometry or magnetic fields to automatically return the pressing elements to their correct positions after each searing cycle, eliminating manual handling and positioning time for the operator.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied to sear food items, then caramelization and sealing of juices is achieved, but steam and heat may be suddenly released towards the operator when the device is raised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a forward-bias balance mechanism that creates an asymmetric weight distribution, with the center of gravity positioned forward of the pivot axis. This asymmetry causes the device to naturally tilt forward during raising and lowering operations, directing any steam or heat release away from the operator toward the front of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance spring is pre-loaded to create a forward-bias moment that counteracts the backward tilt tendency during device operation. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful backward tilt that would direct steam and heat toward the operator, ensuring safe operation throughout the raising and lowering cycle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis is positioned at the distal end of the frame, then the device can pivot freely, but the center of gravity may cause backward tilt and sudden steam release
Solution Approach 1:
A counterbalance spring is installed to provide a counterbalancing moment that offsets the harmful backward tilt caused by the center of gravity position. The spring creates a forward-bias force that prevents the device from tilting backward during operation, thereby directing steam and heat away from the operator while preserving the pivotable mobility of the device.
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 simultaneous searing of multiple food items, improving ergonomics by reducing the need for individual item application, enhancing cooking consistency, and minimizing the risk of wrist injury, while allowing for easy functional modifications with interchangeable cooking attachments.
Implementation Method 1
a counterbalance spring coiled around the pivot shaft and having a first end attached to the yoke frame, and a second end attached to the pivot shaft, whereby rotation of the frame about the pivot axis is biased by the counterbalance spring
Data Source
AI summary
A collection of cooking devices are modularly attachable to a common base frame. For example, a searing device can be selectively attached to a pivotable handle assembly, such that the handle and searing device are moveable between a sear position and a raised position relative to the griddle. The searing mechanism of the present disclosure is sized to provide a sear surface capable of searing multiple items of food simultaneously. The searing device may be removed from the base frame without tools, and other griddle attachments may be installed in its place to modularly alter the function of the griddle. The pivotable attachment point may provide a forward-bias balance such that the griddle provides even pressure on food items even as griddle attachment is raised and lowered, while also avoiding a sudden release of steam and/or heat in the direction of the operator upon raising the handle.