Movable Charcoal Chimney and Grate for Faster Grill Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charcoal barbecue systems face delays in starting charcoal for cooking due to inefficient ignition processes, and there is a need for a more efficient and versatile charcoal preparation system that allows for easy transition between ignition and cooking stages.
Innovation Solution
A charcoal preparation system featuring a moveable chimney and charcoal grate that can be adjusted between a basket configuration for ignition and a flat configuration for cooking, with actuators to facilitate movement between positions, allowing for efficient charcoal ignition and cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional charcoal barbecue system is used with a fixed chimney and grate, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the charcoal ignition process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the chimney and charcoal grate moveable rather than fixed. The chimney can be positioned in different locations (including extending through the bottom of the firebowl) and the charcoal grate can be raised or lowered to different positions. This dynamic configuration allows for optimized charcoal ignition positioning while maintaining operational flexibility, thereby improving ignition speed without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by allowing the chimney to be positioned within or through the firebowl structure, and the charcoal grate to be nested within the chimney or positioned in relation to it. The moveable grate can be inserted into or removed from the chimney structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves ignition efficiency while managing system complexity through space-efficient design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chimney is fixed in position, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the charcoal preparation system lacks versatility for different cooking stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the chimney and grate to move between different positions. The chimney can be extended through the bottom of the firebowl or repositioned, and the grate can be raised or lowered via actuation mechanisms. This dynamic positioning provides versatility for different cooking stages (ignition, cooking, storage) while using mechanical actuation systems that manage the complexity through controlled movement rather than multiple fixed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the moveable chimney and grate system to serve multiple functions: the chimney can be positioned for optimal ignition airflow, the grate can be raised for cooking or lowered for storage, and the same components handle both charcoal preparation and cooking operations. This universal design achieves versatility without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If the charcoal grate remains in a fixed configuration, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot efficiently transition between ignition and cooking stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charcoal grate moveable between different positions and configurations. The grate can be lowered into the chimney for ignition, then raised to a cooking position above the firebowl. Actuation mechanisms (such as chains, cables, or mechanical linkages) enable this movement, providing efficient transition between stages while managing complexity through standardized mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the grate system into separable components that can move independently. The charcoal grate is designed as a distinct movable element that can be positioned separately from the firebowl and chimney structures, allowing it to be lowered for ignition and raised for cooking. This segmentation enables functional flexibility while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
4Productivity
If the chimney extends through the firebowl bottom during usage, then charcoal ignition is improved, but the chimney occupies storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the chimney moveable between extended and retracted positions. During charcoal ignition, the chimney extends through the bottom of the firebowl to provide optimal airflow and positioning. When not in use, the chimney can be retracted or repositioned to a storage location, minimizing its occupied volume. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing the chimney extended for ignition and minimizing its storage footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies extraction by separating the chimney function from a fixed integrated position. The chimney is designed as a moveable component that can be extracted from its storage position and extended through the firebowl bottom when needed for ignition. This extraction approach allows the chimney to occupy minimal space during storage while providing full functionality during use, resolving the volume contradiction.
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
This system enables rapid charcoal ignition and efficient cooking by allowing the charcoal grate to be easily transformed between basket and flat configurations, ensuring consistent heat and reducing startup time, while also allowing for convenient storage of components.
Implementation Method 1
Chimneys have been used with charcoal barbecues in preparation of the charcoals
Data Source
AI summary
A barbecue cooking system with moveable charcoal chimney device is provided, the system comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside, and the bottomside comprising at least one aperture; and a chimney movable through the aperture of the bottomside of the firebowl, and at least a portion of the chimney is situated within the firebowl during a usage position and at least a portion of the chimney is moveable to a position below the firebowl during a stowage position.