Control device for an outdoor cooking assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod campfire grill systems face challenges such as cumbersome height adjustment, instability, and lack of control over grate rotation during cooking.
Innovation Solution
A powered rotating food support system that is adjustable in height and rotates motorized, allowing for stable and controlled cooking over a heat source, compatible with existing tripod grill systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chain is used to suspend the grate from the tripod frame, then the grate can be suspended over the fire, but the height adjustment becomes cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual chain link adjustment mechanism with an electric motor-driven winch system. The winch uses a drum to wind and unwind the chain, allowing height adjustment through electrical control rather than manual manipulation of chain links. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with an electromechanical system resolves the contradiction by making height adjustment easier while managing the complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch system can be designed to automatically maintain optimal grate height by sensing temperature or position parameters and adjusting the chain length accordingly. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, making the system serve itself and resolving the ease of operation issue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the grate is suspended by a chain, then it can be positioned over the fire, but the grate moves, tips, or rotates inadvertently when adjusting food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid support arm or truss system as an intermediary between the chain suspension point and the grate. This intermediary structure provides mechanical stability and prevents the grate from moving or rotating inadvertently, while still allowing controlled adjustment when needed. The intermediary absorbs the instability that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the grate.
3Ease of operation
If the grate is suspended by a chain, then it can be adjusted in height, but there is little to no control over the rotation of the grate during cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces any manual rotation control mechanism with an electric motor that directly drives the grate's rotation. This allows precise control over rotation speed and direction through electrical signals, making rotation control as easy as button presses while managing complexity through integrated motor control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamically controllable rotation system where the motor can adjust rotation speed and direction based on cooking requirements. The system can transition between stationary, slow rotation, and fast rotation modes, providing adaptable control that responds to changing cooking conditions rather than fixed mechanical constraints.
4Ease of operation
If manual chain adjustment is used, then the system is simple, but temperature-resistant hand protection is needed for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual chain adjustment with an electric motor-driven winch system that can be operated from a safe distance. The motorized mechanism eliminates the need for users to place their hands near the hot fire area, inherently providing safety without requiring additional protective equipment. The complexity is managed through the integration of the motor and control system.
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.