Stretchable Grill Cover for Rain Blocking and Moisture Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grill covers are unwieldy, difficult to operate, non-porous, and prone to moisture retention, leading to rust and deterioration of grills due to lack of UV resistance and adaptability to different grill sizes.
Innovation Solution
A sack-like, elastic grill cover made from stretchy, water-proof, UV-resistant material with a built-in elastic band for secure fitting, allowing rain to run off and moisture to evaporate, designed to conform to various grill shapes and sizes without a supportive frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional grill covers are made of soft fabric to conform to grill shape, then the cover can fit the grill, but it folds upon itself making it difficult to determine correct orientation and is unwieldy to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to the fabric panels, with each panel having a distinct color or pattern. This allows the operator to easily identify the correct orientation and sequence when placing the cover on the grill, eliminating the confusion of folded soft fabric without compromising the conforming shape.
2Strength
If conventional grill covers use heavy fabric to provide coverage, then the cover is durable, but it is cumbersome to store and handle while grilling
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple separate fabric panels that can be individually handled and positioned. This segmentation reduces the weight and bulk that must be moved at once, making the cover easier to store and handle while maintaining overall durability through the use of robust fabric material in each panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin, flexible fabric panels instead of heavy rigid materials. These thin films provide sufficient coverage and protection while being lightweight and easy to maneuver, store, and handle during grilling operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional grill covers are made non-porous to prevent rain penetration, then rain protection is improved, but moisture from condensation is retained under the cover causing rust and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric panels are constructed with a porous structure that allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid rain. This enables condensation moisture to evaporate and escape from under the cover, preventing rust and deterioration, while still providing effective rain protection during grilling.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional grill covers are designed to fit one size grill only, then the cover can provide precise coverage, but it lacks adaptability to different grill sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panels are designed with flexible dimensions and adjustable positioning features that allow the operator to configure the panels to match different grill sizes and shapes. This dynamic adaptability maintains precise coverage for each specific grill while providing versatility across multiple grill types.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system is designed as a universal solution that can be adapted to fit various grill sizes and configurations using the same set of fabric panels. The panels can be arranged and sized to provide precise coverage for different grill types, making a single cover set suitable for multiple applications.
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 a practical, durable, and adaptable grill cover that prevents moisture from reaching grill components, extends grill life, and allows easy storage, while being resistant to wind and weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic band (not shown) or cinch type is sewn next to or adjacent to the cover opening 35, so that the cover opening 35 closes, contracts or snugs up against the grill 10
Implementation Method 2
The cover 5 is constructed or fabricated of a stretchy, water-proof, UV-resistant material
Implementation Method 3
the cover is water vapor-permeable, so that moisture that happens to condense under or inside of the cover evaporates through the cover
Implementation Method 4
the cover is water vapor-permeable
Implementation Method 5
The cover 5 is constructed or fabricated of a stretchy, water-proof, UV-resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
A grill cover that is rain-impermeable and reversibly stretchable, and formed of a dual-layer sheet. The cover is substantially stretchable to a size sufficient to cover a grill, such as a gas grill. Rain runs off of the installed cover, while condensation on the grill evaporates through the sheet without absorbing to the sheet.