Modular hanging barrel system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional grill and barbeque systems lack versatility and efficiency in heat distribution and control, particularly in transitioning between grilling and smoking, and do not provide a modular solution for social fire pit enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

A modular hanging barrel system comprising a cylindrical barrel with a flange, locking lid, tripod, pulley system, and adjustable fire pan track, allowing for suspension, heat radiation, and adjustable ventilation, enabling conversion between grilling and smoking modes while incorporating a fire pit for social use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed grill system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the versatility for different cooking styles (grilling, smoking) and heat control is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking style versatilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grill system is divided into separate modular components: a removable fire-containing receptacle, an adjustable grate, a lid with independent vent control, and an adjustable fire pan. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific cooking functions while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multiple adjustable elements including a height-adjustable grate, an adjustable fire pan position, and controllable lid vents. These dynamic adjustments enable the same system to accommodate different cooking styles (direct grilling, indirect smoking, roasting) by changing component positions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If the barrel is placed on the ground, then the structure is stable and easy to set up, but heat radiation efficiency and ventilation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat radiation efficiencyVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel is suspended in a vertical dimension using a tripod stand with hanging elements, rather than placing it horizontally on the ground. This vertical suspension improves heat radiation distribution and airflow ventilation around the fire chamber, while the tripod provides stable support and easy positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the grate or fire-containing receptacle is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the ability to adjust heat distribution and cooking intensity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat control adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grate is designed with height adjustment capability along vertical guides, and the fire pan position is adjustable within the fire-containing receptacle. These dynamic adjustments allow users to control heat intensity and distribution by changing the distance between the fire source, grate, and food, providing versatile heat control without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 modular system enhances heat distribution and control, allowing for versatile cooking styles and social enjoyment by suspending the barrel for improved heat radiation and ventilation, enabling efficient grilling and smoking while providing a fire pit for ambiance.

Implementation Method 1

a pully system for the lid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

oriented to allow the heat to radiate properly to a grate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

suspended the barrel for improved heat radiation and ventilation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3890574B1Modular hanging barrel system
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 BURCH BARREL LLC
  • EP3890574B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3890574B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3890574B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~3

AI summary

A container suitable for capturing fire, said container comprising an outer housing having an open top and a closed bottom, an inner fire-containing receptacle fitting within the outer housing, a grate, and means to raise or lower one of the grate or fire-containing receptacle, said container comprising a lid fashioned to engage with the open top of the outer housing, and a tripod stand capable of suspending the container and comprising a lift system engaged to said lid to operate the lid from a position engaged with the open top to a position disengaged with the open top.