Apparatus for open heat source grilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking hotdogs or sausages over an open flame is time-consuming and difficult due to the lack of even cooking and stability, with existing sticks prone to unwanted rotation and inadequate support for multiple items.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a stake for securing into the ground, an adjustable skewer assembly with a clamp to prevent lateral movement and rotation, and a handle for selective turning, allowing for stable and even cooking of multiple items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple stick or skewer is used to hold food over an open flame, then the device is simple and easy to use, but the skewer is prone to unwanted rotation and cannot maintain stable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a stake for ground insertion, a clamp for securing the skewer, and the skewer itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary element between the stake and the skewer, providing a stable connection point. This mediator prevents direct contact issues between the skewer and ground, eliminating unwanted rotation while maintaining ease of use.
2Productivity
If the skewer is positioned close to the heat source for efficient cooking, then cooking time is reduced, but the user cannot safely operate the skewer
Solution Approach 1:
The stake is inserted vertically into the ground, creating a vertical support structure that allows the skewer to extend horizontally over the heat source. This dimensional change enables the user to maintain a safe distance from the flames while keeping the food in the optimal cooking zone.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed skewer position is used, then stable cooking is achieved, but the user cannot easily turn the food to cook all sides evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a release mechanism that allows it to transition from a locked state (preventing rotation during cooking) to an unlocked state (allowing easy turning). This dynamic characteristic enables the skewer to be stable when needed and movable when required.
4Device complexity
If only a single skewer is used, then the device is simple, but multiple hotdogs cannot be cooked simultaneously and efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The stake and clamp structure serves as a universal support system that can accommodate multiple skewers simultaneously. The clamp can be positioned at different heights and angles, allowing various skewers to be secured in optimal cooking positions over the heat source.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for grilling foodstuffs over an open heat source comprising a stake for securing into a ground surface proximate a heat source; a skewer configured for adjustable connection with the stake; and a clamp configured to secure the skewer in connection to the stake and in a selected position with respect to the stake so the skewer extends substantially perpendicularly to the stake and is positioned over a heat source in a substantially horizontal orientation. The clamp is configured to secure the skewer such that the skewer is prevented from lateral movement with respect to the stake and heat source. A handle extends away from skewer and supports the skewer by clamp arms that prevent unwanted or unaided movement and rotation, while allowing a user to selectively rotate the skewer, exposing various sides of the foodstuff directly to the heat source by turning the handle.