Control device for an outdoor cooking assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod campfire grill systems are cumbersome to adjust in height and lack control over rotation, leading to instability and uneven cooking due to the suspended nature of the cooking grate.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable and adjustable control system that includes a hub, drive shaft assembly, and support coupling, allowing for motorized rotation and adjustable height of the cooking grate, providing stability and even cooking without the need for temperature-resistant hand protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cooking grate is suspended by chains from a tripod frame, then the system is simple in structure, but the grate becomes unstable and difficult to control during rotation and height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
A control system with a hub, drive shaft assembly, and support coupling acts as an intermediary between the tripod frame and the cooking grate. This intermediary mechanism provides stable mounting points and controlled rotation, eliminating the instability caused by direct chain suspension while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple chain suspension mechanism with a more complex mechanical control system featuring a hub, drive shaft, and support coupling. This substitution transforms the uncontrolled suspended grate into a stable, motorized rotation system with precise height adjustment capability.
2Device complexity
If the cooking grate is adjusted by manually unhooking and hooking chain links, then no additional components are needed, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and requires temperature-resistant hand protection
Solution Approach 1:
The manual chain link adjustment mechanism is replaced with a motorized drive shaft assembly that provides controlled height adjustment. The motorized system eliminates the need for manual intervention with hot chains, removing the requirement for temperature-resistant hand protection while adding only one integrated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where the motorized drive shaft automatically positions the cooking grate at the desired height without requiring manual manipulation of hot components. The system serves itself by providing automated control over the previously manual adjustment process.
3Device complexity
If the cooking grate is suspended without rotation control, then the system is simple, but the user has little to no control over rotation during the cooking process
Solution Approach 1:
The hub and drive shaft assembly serve as an intermediary mechanism between the tripod frame and the cooking grate, introducing controlled rotation capability. This intermediary system allows the grate to rotate smoothly and be positioned precisely, providing user control without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, non-rotatable grate into a dynamic system with motorized rotation capability. The drive shaft assembly enables the grate to rotate and be positioned at different orientations during cooking, adding functionality while maintaining reasonable system simplicity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for use with an outdoor cooking apparatus may include a hub and an axle housing adapted to slidably couple with a hub. The control system may also include a motor mounted at or near the upper end of the axle housing and an axle mechanically coupled to the motor and extending through the axle housing to a free end emerging from the lower end of the axle housing. The control system may also include a support coupling attached to the free end of the axle, the support coupling being adapted to support a food support below the axle housing. The axle housing may be selectively arranged and secured relative to the sleeve to position the height of the support coupling relative to the lower end of the axle housing and the axle may rotate about its longitudinal axis when the motor is turned on.