Tabletop Grill Reflector Design for Efficient Infrared Heating
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tabletop grills inefficiently transfer heat from heating elements to food products, limiting effective cooking performance.
Innovation Solution
A tabletop grill design featuring a quartz-type heating element and a reflector configuration that enhances heat transfer by reflecting infrared energy towards the grill plate, allowing for more focused and efficient heating, including a broiling function by limiting the pivoting range of the grill units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating elements are used in tabletop grills, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but heat transfer to the food product is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating element and the food product. The reflector redirects and concentrates radiant energy onto the food, improving heat transfer efficiency without requiring a more complex heating element design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the heating system by positioning the heating element at a specific distance from the reflector and optimizing the reflector's shape and orientation. These parameter changes maximize energy concentration on the food product while maintaining a simple heating element design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grill is designed for grilling only, then the structure is simple, but the versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grill is designed with dual functionality by incorporating both a bottom heating element for grilling and a top heating element with reflector for broiling. The hinge mechanism enables the top unit to pivot between grilling position (parallel to bottom plate) and broiling position (vertical orientation), allowing one device to perform multiple cooking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The top grill unit is connected via a hinge that allows dynamic repositioning between grilling and broiling configurations. This dynamic adjustment enables the same structural components to serve different cooking purposes without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is positioned close to the reflector, then energy concentration is improved, but the risk of overheating and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spacing parameter between the heating element and reflector to achieve the optimal balance. The heating element is positioned at a specific distance that allows sufficient radiant energy to reach the reflector for effective reflection and concentration, while preventing excessive energy loss through back-radiation or overheating
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 design achieves quicker heat-up times and better control over energy incidence, enabling effective broiling and uniform heating, surpassing the limitations of calrod-type heating elements.
Implementation Method 1
a quartz-type heating element disposed within the interior space of the housing... energy emitted from the heating element impacts the upper surface of the reflector
Implementation Method 2
a reflector disposed within the interior space. The reflector comprises an upper surface that defines a trough... energy emitted from the heating element impacts the upper surface of the reflector within the through and is reflected toward the grill plate
Data Source
AI summary
A tabletop grill generally includes a first grill unit having a first grill plate and a first heating element for heating the first grill plate. The grill further includes a second grill unit positionable relative to the first grill unit. The second grill unit has a second grill plate and a second heating element for heating the second grill plate. The grill is configured to function as a broiler.