Multi-Zone Griddle with Serpentine Heating for Separate Temperature Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing griddles struggle to maintain uniform temperatures across different portions when multiple burners are used, leading to heat transfer and difficulty in segregating heat to separate zones.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone griddle design featuring a continuous metal upper layer with serpentine passageways between lower metal layers, allowing for independent temperature control of different portions by connecting them to separate sources of heated fluid, creating distinct temperature zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple burners are positioned under the griddle to heat different portions, then the griddle can provide multiple temperature zones, but heat transfers between portions making it difficult to maintain uniform temperatures in each zone
Solution Approach 1:
The griddle is divided into multiple independent heating zones with separate burners positioned underneath each zone. Each burner heats only its corresponding zone, preventing heat transfer to other zones. The griddle surface is segmented into distinct cooking areas, each with independent temperature control through individual burners.
Solution Approach 2:
Each portion of the griddle is equipped with its own burner and heating elements tailored to the specific thermal requirements of that zone. The heating system is localized to each zone, allowing different temperature levels and heating intensities in different areas of the griddle surface.
2Ease of operation
If the griddle surface is maintained at a uniform temperature, then cooking is simplified, but the ability to simultaneously cook and hold food at different temperatures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The griddle surface is segmented into multiple functional zones, each with independent temperature control. One zone can be maintained at high temperature for active cooking while another zone is kept at lower temperature for holding cooked food, allowing both functions to occur simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The griddle system allows dynamic adjustment of temperature in each zone independently. Users can switch between uniform high-temperature cooking mode and multi-temperature mode with separate cooking and holding zones, adapting the system's thermal characteristics to different operational requirements.
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 precise temperature control of different areas on the griddle, allowing for simultaneous cooking and holding of food products at specific temperatures, enhancing cooking efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
At least one serpentine passageway is formed in the space between the first lower layer of metal and the upper substantially continuous layer of metal, the at least one serpentine passageway is adapted to be connected to a source of heated fluid for providing heat to a portion of the upper substantially continuous layer of metal
Implementation Method 2
supplying a heated fluid to the at least one serpentine passageway permits the portion of the upper substantially continuous layer of metal that corresponds to the at least one serpentine passageway to be held at a first predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-zone griddle with an upper substantially continuous layer of metal adapted for cooking a food product thereon. The upper substantially continuous layer of metal is positioned adjacent to a first lower layer of metal and is displaced a predetermined distance relative to the upper substantially continuous layer of metal to form a space therebetween. A second lower layer of metal is displaced a predetermined distance relative to the upper substantially continuous layer of metal to form a space therebetween. At least one serpentine passageway is formed in the space between the first lower layer of metal and the upper substantially continuous layer of metal. The at least one serpentine passageway may be connected to a source of heated fluid for providing heat to a portion of the upper substantially continuous layer of metal that corresponds to the position adjacent to the at least one serpentine passageway.