Portable outdoor cooking device, system and method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable outdoor cooking device that is compact, easy to store, and can be used in various locations while maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in managing food byproducts.
Innovation Solution
A portable cooking stove with a main body, griddle, and elongated structure that can be compacted for storage, featuring a handle, spring-biased arm for securing the griddle, and a grease cup system for managing grease, along with a ventilation system to facilitate air flow and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cooking device is made portable and compactable, then it becomes easier to store and transport, but the structural complexity increases to accommodate folding panels and removable components
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking device is divided into separable components including a main body, removable griddle, foldable panels, and detachable elongated structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently managed, stored, or transported separately, achieving portability while controlling overall complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The griddle and elongated structure can be stored within or attached to the main body when not in use. The foldable panels collapse into a compact configuration that nests within the device footprint, reducing storage space requirements without requiring complex external storage mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If the griddle is made removable and securable, then it becomes easier to clean and maintain, but the ease of operation decreases due to repeated attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The griddle incorporates self-aligning tabs that automatically engage with corresponding receptacles on the main body during attachment. The spring-biased arm provides automatic latching force, eliminating the need for manual tightening or complex fastening procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling removable design for cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The griddle is extracted as a separate removable component from the main body, allowing it to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. The tab-and-receptacle connection system provides secure attachment during use but allows quick removal when maintenance is needed, balancing maintainability with operational ease
3Reliability
If the elongated structure is spring-biased for automatic engagement, then the reliability of griddle securing improves, but the device complexity increases due to spring mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased arm automatically engages with the griddle opening when the griddle is placed on the main body, providing self-latching without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable securing while minimizing the need for complex control systems or multiple fastening steps
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased arm acts as an intermediary element between the user and the griddle securing process. It translates simple user action (placing the griddle) into reliable mechanical engagement through spring force, improving reliability while keeping the user interface simple and the overall mechanism straightforward
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 solution allows for easy transportation, efficient cooking, and effective management of food byproducts, ensuring the cooking stove remains clean and functional in various outdoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated structure includes a spring and an arm, the spring configured to bias the elongated structure toward the griddle
Implementation Method 2
the handle is configured to be rotated about the axis of the elongated structure to threadably secure the elongated structure to the griddle
Implementation Method 3
the grease cup moveable between a use position and a stow position, the use position configured to be positioned below a rear opening defined in the griddle
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooking stove configured to be compactable is provided. In one embodiment, the cooking stove includes a main body, a lid, a griddle, and an elongated structure. The lid is hingeably coupled to the main body. The main body includes burners positioned therein. The griddle is removably secured to the main body with the elongated structure. The elongated structure includes a handle at one end thereof to be positioned through one or more panels of the main body with the handle exposed along an exterior side of the main body and with the elongated structure configured to engage a griddle opening defined in an underside of the griddle. The griddle is further removably secured to the main body with at least one tab of the griddle configured to engage structure associated with the one or more panels of the main body.