Rotating Open-Flame Skewer With Mesh Burn Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held cooking implements for open flame cooking lack efficient rotational mechanisms and burn protection, particularly for high-sugar items like marshmallows, which can burn easily, and require cumbersome manual rotation for even cooking.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held cooking apparatus with a main support member, a rotational cooking member, and a burn guard member featuring a stainless steel screen mesh to prevent burning, allowing for easy rotation and protection of food items from flames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional skewers are used for cooking high-sugar items like marshmallows over an open flame, then the food item can be cooked, but the open flame easily burns the marshmallow producing undesired results
Solution Approach 1:
A mesh screen barrier is introduced as an intermediary between the open flame and the food item. The mesh screen allows heat transfer while blocking direct flame contact, preventing burning of high-sugar items like marshmallows while still enabling cooking
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking implement is segmented into distinct functional zones: a handle for gripping, a rotational mechanism for movement, a mesh screen section for burn protection, and prongs for food insertion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively
2Ease of operation
If conventional skewers are used for cooking food items, then the food item can be cooked, but the user must manually rotate the skewer which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The skewer is transformed from a static object to a dynamic one with rotational capability. The rotational mechanism includes a knob that engages with gear teeth on the skewer shaft, allowing easy rotation of the food item during cooking without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple knob that the user can turn. The gear teeth and shaft work together automatically to rotate the skewer, reducing the effort and time required compared to manual rotation
3Ease of operation
If a rotational mechanism is added to the cooking implement, then easy rotation of food item is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: a knob for input, a shaft with gear teeth for transmission, and a connection point for the skewer. This segmentation keeps each component simple while achieving the overall rotational function
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism serves multiple functions: it rotates the skewer for even cooking, provides a gripping surface via the knob, and the gear teeth engage with the shaft to transmit rotational motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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
Facilitates efficient and even cooking of food items over an open flame by enabling easy rotational movement and preventing burning, enhancing user convenience and cooking results.
Implementation Method 1
a burn guard member having a screen member that is underneath the second end of the rotational cooking member
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held cooking implement that is configured to facilitate cooking of a food item over an open flame cooking source. The present invention includes main support member that is rod shaped having a first end and a second end. Operably coupled to the main support member are a first bracket and a second bracket wherein the first bracket is proximate the first end of the main support member and the second bracket is proximate the second end thereof. A rotational cooking member is movably mounted to the first and second bracket and is axially aligned with the main support member having a void therebetween. The rotational cooking member includes prong members contiguously formed therewith at the second end of the rotational cooking member. A burn guard member is integrally formed on the second end of the main support member and is adjacent to the prong members.