Smoke trap apparatus and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grilling devices often lose heat and smoke due to openings designed for grease removal, leading to inefficient cooking and undesirable smoke escape.
Innovation Solution
A smoke trap apparatus with a weir and capping element that covers the grease opening, preventing smoke from escaping while allowing grease to flow through, using a propping element to maintain the capping element above the grease opening and a fluid transport mechanism to collect grease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a grease opening is provided in the grilling device body wall to remove grease, then grease removal is enabled, but smoke and heat escape from the internal grilling compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The grease opening is segmented into two functional zones: an upper zone covered by the capping element that allows smoke/heat retention, and a lower zone that enables grease drainage. The capping element itself is segmented with a smoke opening for controlled smoke passage and a grease opening for grease removal, creating distinct functional pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The capping element acts as an intermediary component positioned at the grease opening. It mediates between the need to remove grease and the need to retain smoke/heat by providing selective coverage - allowing grease to pass through while blocking the majority of smoke and heat escape paths.
2Loss of energy
If the capping element covers the grease opening to prevent smoke escape, then smoke retention is improved, but grease may not flow through effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The capping element has different functional qualities at different locations: the upper surface provides a sealed cover for smoke retention, while the lower portion includes an opening specifically positioned to allow grease flow. This local differentiation of quality enables simultaneous achievement of smoke retention and grease drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional plane (open vs. closed) to a three-dimensional structure where the capping element extends vertically with different functional zones at different heights. The smoke opening and grease opening are positioned at different vertical levels, creating dimensional separation of functions.
3Loss of energy
If the capping element is positioned low to maximize smoke coverage, then smoke retention is improved, but grease opening coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capping element is nested within the grilling device structure, positioned at the grease opening. The element contains multiple nested openings (smoke opening within the capping element body, grease opening at the lower portion) that are hierarchically arranged to serve different functions at different levels.
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
Effectively retains heat and smoke within the grilling compartment, enhancing cooking efficiency and aesthetics by minimizing smoke escape during grease removal.
Implementation Method 1
the capping element or weir cap can comprise a substantially concave body having an upper capping wall and a side wall extending from the upper capping wall. The upper capping wall and the side wall can partially bound an internal body cavity
Implementation Method 2
The capping element or a portion thereof can rest on and/or be supported by the propping element or a portion thereof
Implementation Method 3
Grease may drip out through the opening to be collected in a grease catch
Implementation Method 4
a smoke trap apparatus and systems methods incorporating the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a grease management system that includes a smoke trap apparatus for inhibiting the escape of smoke and/or heat from the internal grilling compartment of a grilling device
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke trap includes a receptacle with a floor opening, a tubular riser surrounding the opening and extending from the floor into a receptacle cavity, and a capping element disposed over an aperture in a riser. The capping element has an upper wall and a side wall partially bounding a body cavity and extending from the upper wall toward the floor. The capping element covers the aperture from above and from the side without fluidly sealing the aperture such that the aperture is in fluid communication with the body cavity and the body cavity is in fluid communication with the receptacle cavity. A portion of the side wall extends past the aperture such that the aperture is disposed within the body cavity. Grease management systems that include the smoke trap have means for transferring grease into the receptacle cavity to inhibit smoke from escaping the receptacle cavity through the opening.