Multi-fuel grill apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grills either lack the flavor provided by solid fuels or the convenience and control of liquid fuels, with current multi-fuel grills not effectively combining both for optimal cooking results.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fuel grill apparatus featuring a burner, burner cover with flame and debris deflectors, a solid fuel tray with angled sides, and a firebox basin with protrusions, allowing for the use of both liquid and solid fuels in a single grill with improved heat distribution and debris management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gas grill is used, then convenience and temperature control are improved, but flavor is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gas burners and solid fuel trays within a single grill body, allowing users to simultaneously access the convenience of gas operation and the flavor benefits of solid fuel combustion. The grill structure integrates both fuel types without requiring separate grilling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both gas and solid fuel operation modes. Users can select gas for convenient temperature control or solid fuel for enhanced flavor, making the single device universal for different grilling needs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a charcoal grill is used, then flavor is improved, but convenience and temperature control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges charcoal grilling capability with gas grill convenience in one apparatus. Users can start with gas ignition for ease of operation, then transition to solid fuel for flavor, combining the advantages of both systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill provides universal functionality by accommodating both charcoal and gas operation, allowing users to switch between convenience mode (gas) and flavor mode (charcoal) within the same device.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solid fuel is added to multi-fuel grill, then flavor is improved, but heat distribution and debris management are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The grill structure incorporates localized features such as heat deflectors and designated combustion zones that optimize heat distribution specific to solid fuel burning. These local modifications address heat management needs without compromising overall grill functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the harmful effect of debris generation from solid fuel into a manageable condition by incorporating ash catchers and debris collection areas. The debris is redirected to designated zones, transforming a cleaning problem into a controlled containment solution.
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 convenient and effective use of both liquid and solid fuels, providing enhanced flavor and control over cooking temperatures while maintaining a clean and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a burner positioned below the solid fuel compartment
Implementation Method 2
a solid fuel compartment positioned proximate to the cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fuel grill apparatus comprising a burner, a burner cover positioned over and spaced from the burner, a solid fuel tray and/or a firebox basin. The burner cover may comprise a lower flame deflector having opposite, downwardly-extending first angled walls linked at a substantially centered cover angled wall joint and/or an upper debris deflector having a top wall and opposite, downwardly-extending deflector angled walls. The solid fuel tray may comprise opposite tray angled side walls configured to seat on the deflector angled walls so as to selectively suspend the tray between two burner covers. The firebox basin may have an upwardly-extending protrusion having opposite basin angled walls linked at a basin angled wall joint substantially vertically aligned with one or more of the burner and the cover angled wall joint. A vent may be formed in the front panel of the grill body adjacent to one or more controls for communicating with the firebox basin.