Multi-functional griddle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current griddle designs are limited in their versatility, as they are primarily designed for flat-top cooking and lack a functional lid that can insulate and enhance cooking processes such as baking or deep frying, leading to inefficient heat retention and limited cooking options.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional griddle with removable and interchangeable cooking surfaces, such as a pizza plate or sear plate, and a low-profile lid that allows for various cooking methods, including baking, steaming, and deep frying, along with a drawer for broiling, enabling a range of cooking techniques without imparting an oily taste to food.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a solid flat-top griddle surface is used, then cooking stability is improved, but cooking versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The griddle surface is divided into multiple removable sections that can be independently configured. Users can remove flat-top sections to access underlying burners for direct flame cooking, or replace them with specialized inserts like pizza stones, woks, or steamers. This segmentation allows the same physical space to support different cooking methods while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The griddle system is designed with universal compatibility across multiple cooking styles. The base unit with burners can accommodate flat-top sections for traditional griddle cooking, while the same burner assembly supports direct flame cooking when sections are removed. Additional inserts enable pizza baking, wok cooking, and steam cooking, making a single device serve multiple culinary functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lid is added for storage protection, then protection function is improved, but cooking functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is transformed from a simple protective cover into a multi-functional cooking component. It features an integrated cooking surface that enables overhead cooking methods such as searing, smoking, and roasting. The lid can be used in conjunction with the base burners to create an oven-like environment, or independently for various cooking techniques, thus adding functionality rather than merely providing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be placed in multiple configurations. It can rest on the base for enclosed cooking, be positioned at an angle for smoking or roasting, or be completely removed for open cooking. This dynamic positioning enables the lid to adapt to different cooking requirements while maintaining its protective function when closed.
3Temperature
If a lid liner is added for insulation, then heat retention is improved, but heat circulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid liner incorporates a porous or perforated structure that allows controlled airflow and heat circulation while maintaining insulation properties. The porous material traps heat for retention while the interconnected pores enable convection currents to circulate hot air around the food, preventing heat loss and improving cooking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid liner is constructed as a composite structure combining insulating materials with heat-transfer pathways. This composite design allows the liner to simultaneously retain heat for energy efficiency and facilitate heat circulation for even cooking, resolving the contradiction between insulation and heat distribution.
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 griddle provides versatile cooking options, allowing for limitless food preparation methods by enabling baking, steaming, and broiling while maintaining efficient heat retention and circulation, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional griddles.
Implementation Method 1
the liner does not provide or return much radiant energy to the food
Implementation Method 2
The space or gap between the liner and the outer lid can provide a protective barrier between the hot cook chamber and the cooler ambient temperatures outside
Implementation Method 3
nor do they provide any convective circulation
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking griddle having a body, a griddle plate defining at least one versatile section that can be removed, flipped over, or replaced by a secondary cooking member, and a heat source. The versatile sections include a griddle orifice and a sear griddle orifice. Secondary cooking members locate on or in the versatile sections and include a griddle dual side plate having a first side with a non-stick coating and a second side with dimples or ridges, a pizza plate, a wok, a steamer assembly, a member having a perforated surface for allowing flame to char food, a grate, and a lower profile lid. Supports may be provided below the griddle dual side plate in the form of brackets affixed to the griddle plate, a circular ring defining a shelf, and pivoting or extendable brackets. An elevation mechanism elevates a secondary cooking member for allowing air flow.