Modular Tailgate Grill With Heat Spreader and Debris Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle tailgate designs lack versatility and safety, particularly in the management of heat and debris during grilling, leading to uneven heating and risk of burns or damage.

Innovation Solution

A modular tailgate system with interchangeable modules, including a grill with insulation, angled heat spreaders, and a debris collection system, allowing for customizable functionality and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a grill is integrated into a tailgate, then grilling functionality is added, but uneven heating occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrilling functionalityVSAvoidheating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the geometry of heat spreader plates in different zones to achieve uniform heat distribution. The heat spreader includes a first plate with a first geometry and a second plate with a second geometry, where each zone is designed to compensate for local heat accumulation or deficiency, thereby resolving the uneven heating problem while maintaining grilling functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a grill is integrated into a tailgate, then grilling capability is provided, but poor grease and food debris management results in safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrilling capabilityVSAvoidburns or damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts harmful elements (grease and food debris) from the grilling area by providing a removable tray positioned to receive dripping grease and a funnel structure that channels debris into the tray. This separation of cooking surface from debris collection area resolves the safety risk while maintaining grilling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of dripping grease into a beneficial collection system by designing the removable tray and funnel to capture and contain grease, preventing it from causing burns or damage. The grease collection becomes a controlled feature rather than a hazard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functionality modules are added to the tailgate, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmodule integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the tailgate with interchangeable modules that can be configured in different arrangements. The same set of modules (grill, storage, preparation surfaces) can be reconfigured for different uses, providing multiple functionalities without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the tailgate into separate, interchangeable modules including grill assemblies, storage trays, and preparation surfaces. Each module can be independently installed, removed, or replaced, which manages complexity by allowing modular assembly rather than integrating all functions into a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 modular system provides a safe and versatile grilling experience by managing heat effectively and simplifying cleanup, while customizable modules adapt to various needs and events.

Implementation Method 1

the grill base includes or is covered around one or more of its sides or base with at least one layer of insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one heat spreader positioned over the flame element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the heat spreader includes a plate oriented at an angle less than 15 degrees relative to a bottom of the grill base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10022016B1Modular barbecue for vehicle tailgate

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 SWIFT ENG INC

AI summary

A tailgate for a vehicle includes a plurality of modules, which may be interchangeable. The modules may include a removable storage tray, a cutting board, a grill, a refrigeration unit, a television, or speakers. The grill may include a grill base with control elements, at least one flame element, at least one heat spreader positioned over the flame element, and a grill grate positioned over the heat spreader. The tailgate may include removable or rotatable lids to cover the modules. A layer of insulation may be positioned around the grill base. The tailgate may include a funnel and a removable tray to collect debris from the grill.