Portable grills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable grills face challenges in transitioning between erected and collapsed configurations safely and efficiently, particularly with regards to fuel tank management and mechanical damage prevention during transport.
Innovation Solution
The portable grill incorporates a leg lock assembly, tank blocker, leg latch assembly, lid lock assembly, foldable foot, and gas spring to facilitate safe and automated transitions between configurations, ensuring the fuel tank is properly uncoupled and preventing mechanical damage during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the portable grill is designed with foldable legs to enable collapsed configuration for transport, then the portability and storage efficiency are improved, but the risk of mechanical damage to components and fuel tank during transition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a leg lock assembly that automatically locks the legs in place before any other transition operations occur. This ensures the grill structure is stabilized prior to fuel tank uncoupling or lid opening, preventing mechanical damage during the transition from erected to collapsed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action through a tank blocker that prevents the fuel tank from being uncoupled or moved until the legs are properly locked in the collapsed position. This counteracts the potential harmful action of fuel tank displacement during unsafe transition conditions, eliminating the risk of mechanical damage to the fuel tank and surrounding components.
2Reliability
If automated transition mechanisms are added to prevent mechanical damage, then the safety and component protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple safety functions into integrated assemblies: the leg lock assembly combines leg positioning and locking functions; the tank blocker integrates fuel tank protection with transition control; and the lid lock assembly combines lid securing with transition safety. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic locking and blocking mechanisms that function without user intervention. The leg lock assembly automatically engages when legs are positioned correctly, the tank blocker automatically prevents fuel tank uncoupling during unsafe transitions, and the lid lock assembly automatically secures the lid. This automation eliminates the need for complex manual control systems while ensuring consistent safety.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are implemented to secure the grill during transport, then the transport safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the leg lock assembly to automatically engage and lock the legs in place before any other operations are required. This preliminary locking action simplifies subsequent operations by ensuring the grill is already secured, eliminating the need for users to manually perform multiple locking steps during transport preparation.
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
These features enable secure and efficient transitions between configurations, preventing mechanical damage and ensuring safe transport by automating the uncoupling of the fuel tank and locking mechanisms, thus enhancing user safety and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring configured to facilitate the transition between the erected configuration and the collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the burner tube(s) being configured to generate, carry, and/or otherwise provide flames within the cookbox and/or within the cooking chamber of the portable grill in response to ignition and/or combustion of the LP gas
Data Source
AI summary
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a cookbox, a lid, and a lid lock assembly. The cookbox is coupled to the frame. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox. The lid is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid lock assembly is coupled to the frame. The lid lock assembly is configured to enable movement of the lid from the closed position into the open position when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to lock the lid in the closed position in response to the portable grill being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.