Tool for cleaning a grill

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grill cleaning methods, such as wire bristle brushes, pose a risk of injury due to broken bristles being ingested with food, and fail to effectively remove charred residues from cooking grids without causing harm.

Innovation Solution

A grill-cleaning tool comprising a water-absorbent layer and a metallic-mesh scrubbing layer, which generates steam when pressed against heated grids to loosen residues, eliminating the need for metallic bristles and ensuring safe cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wire bristle cleaning brushes are used to clean cooking grids, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of bristle breakage and ingestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidbristle breakage and ingestion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the harmful wire bristles from the cleaning tool entirely, extracting only the necessary cleaning function. The cleaning mechanism is replaced with a non-harmful alternative (scrubbing surface) that achieves cleaning effectiveness without the risk of bristle breakage and ingestion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable or replaceable scrubbing surface that can be discarded when worn, eliminating the long-term safety risks associated with reusable wire bristle brushes. This approach prioritizes user safety over tool longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If rigid scrapers are used to remove charred residues, then cleaning capability is improved, but the risk of damaging cooking grid rods increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue removal capabilityVSAvoidcooking grid rod integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning tool by incorporating a flexible scrubbing surface that can adapt to the cooking grid structure. This flexibility allows effective residue removal while distributing force to prevent damage to the delicate grid rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning tool uses a composite structure combining a rigid handle with a flexible scrubbing surface made of non-metallic materials. This composite design provides both the force needed to remove charred residues and the gentleness required to protect the cooking grid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If water is applied directly to heated grids, then steam generation for residue loosening is improved, but water droplet scattering and user safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue loosening efficiencyVSAvoidwater droplet scattering and burn risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a water-absorbent layer as an intermediary between the water source and the heated cooking grid. This layer controls water release, generating steam for residue loosening while preventing uncontrolled water droplet scattering and associated burn risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The water-absorbent layer utilizes porous material properties to regulate water release. The porous structure allows controlled water transfer to the heated grid surface, generating steam efficiently while containing water within the layer to prevent scattering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 tool effectively removes charred residues from grill surfaces without the risk of ingested bristles, using steam and mechanical scrubbing to dislodge debris, ensuring a safer and more efficient cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

a water-absorbent layer fabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring a volume of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

pressing the scrubbing outer layer against the heated cooking grids, thereby forcing a portion of the absorbed water out of the water-absorbent layer and into contact with the heated cooking grids so as to generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change (water to steam): Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

using a scrubbing motion, mechanically loosening residues adhered to the heated cooking grids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 4

pressing the scrubbing outer layer against the heated cooking grids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11759053B2Tool for cleaning a grill

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 NORRIS JAMES

AI summary

A grill-cleaning tool has a water-absorbent layer fabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring a volume of water. A fire-resistant layer is disposed outwardly of the water absorbent layer. A scrubbing outer layer fabricated from a metallic-mesh material covers both the fire-resistant layer and the water-absorbent layer. The water-absorbent layer and the heat-resistant layer may be incorporated into a single unit or may be separate layers. Fasteners are provided for assembling the layers together to form an assembled grill-cleaning tool.