Sliding Drip Tray Assembly for Collecting Grill Runoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grilling devices lack effective collection of drippings from the upper cooking surface, leading to an undesirable mess on countertops due to uncollected cooking juices from the rear edge, especially when in partially or fully open positions.
Innovation Solution
A sliding drip tray assembly that automatically extends from the lower housing when the cooking appliance is opened and retracts when closed, utilizing a pulley mechanism to catch run-off juices from the upper cooking surface, eliminating the need for manual positioning and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual drip tray is used to collect drippings, then the front of the lower cooking surface can be cleaned, but drippings from the rear edge of the upper cooking surface cannot be collected and create a mess on the countertop
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray is designed to be dynamically positionable, automatically extending from a retracted position to an extended position that covers the rear edge of the upper cooking surface when needed, and automatically retracting when not needed. This dynamic positioning eliminates manual intervention while effectively collecting drippings from all areas including the rear edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing movement of the upper housing (opening/closing the grill) to automatically trigger the extension and retraction of the drip tray through a pulley mechanism. The appliance's own operational movements power the drip tray positioning, requiring no separate manual operation or additional energy source.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drip tray is always extended to catch drippings, then all run-off juices can be collected, but the appliance occupies more space and is less convenient for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray transitions between two states: retracted during normal storage to minimize appliance footprint, and extended during operation to maximize drip collection effectiveness. This dynamic state change allows the same structure to satisfy both space-saving and functional requirements at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The drip tray is designed to nest within or alongside the existing housing structure when retracted, utilizing the available space efficiently. The tray stores in a compact configuration that does not significantly increase the appliance's overall dimensions when not in use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed drip tray is installed, then drippings can be collected, but the device complexity increases and manual positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley mechanism is passively actuated by the movement of the upper housing itself. As the user opens or closes the grill, the motion naturally drives the pulley system to extend or retract the drip tray, converting existing operational movement into the required tray positioning action without adding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley mechanism serves dual functions: it facilitates the opening/closing motion of the upper housing and simultaneously controls the extension/retraction of the drip tray. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 provides enhanced cleanliness and convenience by automatically collecting drippings from the upper surface, preventing messes on countertops and allowing for compact storage, thereby improving user experience and appliance hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pulley mechanism to catch run-off juices from the upper cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes an upper housing having a first heating plate and a lower housing having a second heating plate. A handle is connected to the upper housing and is operable to move the upper housing between an open position and a closed position. The cooking appliance further includes a drip tray that is slidably received in said lower housing.