Removable Wind Guard Members for Outdoor Griddle Temperature Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Outdoor griddle cooking stations face challenges in temperature control due to windy conditions, as existing solutions fail to effectively block cross-winds, leading to inconsistent heating.

Innovation Solution

A wind guard system comprising multiple wind guard members with hook portions that can be positioned over the edges of a griddle member to cover the gap between the griddle and the cooking station, preventing wind from passing through and enhancing heat retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the griddle is positioned directly on the cooking station or over flame burners, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the temperature control deteriorates in windy outdoor conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wind guard members as intermediary elements positioned between the external environment and the griddle-cooking station system. These wind guards act as mediators that block wind flow through the gap, protecting the heating system from external disturbances while maintaining the direct heating configuration for efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wind guard system is divided into multiple separate and discrete wind guard members rather than a single continuous barrier. This segmentation allows the wind guards to be positioned strategically around the perimeter of the griddle, effectively blocking wind from entering the gap while maintaining flexibility in installation and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the griddle is positioned directly on the cooking station to improve heating efficiency, then energy use is improved, but wind can move through the gap causing temperature inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidwind interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wind guard members serve as intermediary barriers that intercept and block wind flow before it can reach the gap between the griddle and cooking station. This protective intermediary layer eliminates the harmful wind effect while preserving the direct-contact heating configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wind guards are positioned in advance to prevent wind from entering the gap region. By establishing this protective barrier beforehand, the system proactively counteracts the harmful effect of wind before it can disrupt the heating process or cause temperature inconsistencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If wind guard members are added to block cross-winds, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wind guard system uses multiple separate and discrete wind guard members rather than a complex integrated structure. Each wind guard member is an independent, simple component that can be individually positioned and adjusted, reducing overall system complexity while achieving effective wind protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wind guard members are designed to be adjustable and repositionable, allowing users to dynamically adapt the wind protection configuration based on prevailing wind conditions. This dynamic adjustability simplifies the system by avoiding fixed, complex structures while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 wind guard system effectively blocks cross-winds, improving temperature control and heat retention on the griddle surface, even in windy outdoor conditions, by creating a barrier between the griddle and the cooking station.

Implementation Method 1

each of the multiple wind guard members extends downward to cover the gap defined between the underside of the griddle member and the upper side of the cooking station to at least partially prevent wind from moving through the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind blocking: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS10995964B2Wind guard system, device and method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 NORTH ATLANTIC IMPORTS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of a wind guard system for blocking a cross-wind from flowing through a gap defined between a griddle and a cooking station. The wind guard system includes multiple wind guard members each having a shield portion and a hook portion, the hook portion extending from an upper end portion of the shield portion. The hook portion is sized and configured to be positioned to removably hang over a top edge of upstanding walls of the griddle member so that a height of the shield portion extends downward to cover the gap defined between an underside of the griddle member and the upper side of the cooking station to at least partially prevent wind from moving through the gap.