Outdoor grill toy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a toy that allows children to simulate the experience of cooking grilled foods and monitoring their temperature safely, as existing toys do not provide a realistic simulation of cooking appliances and temperature monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A simulated outdoor grill with a simulated flame and thermometer that mimics the operation of a gas grill, featuring a movable flame plate and a removable thermometer that simulates temperature adjustment and reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simulated thermometer is added to provide realistic temperature monitoring simulation, then the realism and engagement of the cooking experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of a real thermometer experience by using a probe that moves linearly to rotate a dial, replicating the essential function of temperature monitoring without requiring actual temperature sensing technology. This allows children to simulate checking food temperature realistically while keeping the mechanism simple and safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermometer probe serves multiple functions: it simulates inserting into food, rotating the dial to check temperature, and provides tactile feedback. The same mechanical components are used to create both the linear motion of insertion and the rotational motion of reading, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining realistic simulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable flame plate mechanism is implemented to simulate flame adjustment, then the realism of the cooking experience is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flame plate is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be adjusted to different positions to simulate different flame intensities. This dynamic element adds realism to the cooking simulation while using simple mechanical components that are easy to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame effect is divided into multiple flame segments on the flame plate, which can be individually positioned. This segmentation allows for realistic flame simulation while making the manufacturing process simpler, as each segment can be created independently and assembled in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If realistic cooking simulation features are added to enhance child engagement, then the entertainment value is improved, but the safety risks from hot surfaces and burning materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of real fire and hot surfaces into a beneficial simulation experience. The flame plate with colored segments simulates the appearance and adjustment of real flames without any actual fire, while the thermometer probe simulates temperature checking without exposure to hot surfaces. This allows children to engage with realistic cooking activities safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements that mediate between the child and the potentially harmful aspects of real cooking. The simulated flame plate acts as an intermediary for fire, and the thermometer probe acts as an intermediary for hot surfaces, allowing children to experience cooking activities without direct exposure to dangerous elements.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A simulated outdoor gas-fired grill includes a simulated thermometer. A grill assembly includes a grate (12) and a flame plate positioned below the grate (12). The flame plate includes simulated flame segments positioned to extend through slots in the grate (12). The flame plate is movable toward and away from the grate (12). A cam connected with a knob contacts the underside of the flame plate and moves the plate toward and away from the grate (12), simulating adjustment of the heat setting of the grill. The grill includes a port to hold a thermometer (100), which has a dial face at a proximal end and a probe at a distal end. The probe is biased in the distal direction and is movable inward and outward from a housing of the thermometer (100).Movement of the probe, rotates an indicator needle simulating measuring a temperature of a food item.