Bulk cooking oil distribution system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bulk cooking oil distribution systems are impractical for facilities with kitchens remote from exterior walls, on higher building levels, or with multiple fryers, due to aesthetic and cost concerns associated with extensive piping.
Innovation Solution
A bulk cooking oil distribution system and method involving a network of tanks and portable devices with integrated pumps and nozzles, allowing for the transfer of fresh and used cooking oil between tanks located on vehicles and within facilities, enabling efficient distribution and collection without the need for extensive piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensive piping is installed to deliver cooking oil to remote kitchens or upper floors, then cooking oil can be supplied to all locations, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces portable distribution devices as intermediaries between the central storage tank and remote fryers. These portable devices contain small storage tanks and pumping mechanisms that can be moved to different locations, eliminating the need for extensive permanent piping infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive cooking oil distribution coverage throughout the facility
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the cooking oil distribution function into segments: a central storage tank for bulk storage, portable distribution devices with smaller tanks for local storage, and handheld nozzles for final delivery. This segmentation allows the system to reach remote locations without requiring continuous piping throughout the entire facility
2Device complexity
If manual handling of heavy oil containers is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but labor intensity increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The portable distribution devices are equipped with integrated pumping mechanisms that automatically transfer cooking oil from the central tank to the portable tanks and then to fryers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual handling of heavy containers, reducing labor intensity and safety hazards while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with automated pumping systems. The integrated pumps in the portable devices mechanically transfer cooking oil without human intervention, substituting the manual lifting and carrying process with an automated fluid transfer system that improves safety and ease of operation
3Area of stationary object
If used oil is stored in remote outdoor dumpsters, then storage space is utilized, but safety hazards increase and pest attraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The portable distribution devices serve as intermediaries for used oil collection, capturing used oil at the point of generation (fryers) and transporting it to centralized processing facilities. This eliminates the need for remote outdoor dumpsters, thereby removing the associated safety hazards and pest attraction problems while maintaining efficient used oil management
4Reliability
If bulk storage tanks are installed indoors for security, then security is improved, but accessibility to remote kitchens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage function into a centralized secure bulk tank for security and multiple portable distribution devices with smaller tanks for mobility. The portable devices can be transported to remote kitchens and upper floors, maintaining security of the main supply while extending distribution reach to all locations through the portable units
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
Facilitates efficient and safe distribution of cooking oil to multiple kitchens and collection of used oil, reducing labor and safety hazards, while minimizing costs and aesthetic impacts, by using portable devices that can navigate through standard service hallways.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, and a nozzle, with piping interconnecting the pump to the nozzle, and the nozzle to the bulk tank
Implementation Method 2
a distribution nozzle adapted to distribute the cooking oil to a fryer or collect used cooking oil from the fryer
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooking oil distribution device for filling remote fryers with fresh cooking oil. In other embodiments the device can also collect used cooking oil from the fryer. In one embodiment, a portable device includes a fresh oil tank, a three-way valve connected by piping to the fresh oil tank, a pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and a nozzle connected by piping to the pump, the nozzle having an outlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. The device may also include a used oil tank, a second three-way valve connected by piping to the used oil tank, a second pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and piping connecting the second pump to the nozzle, where the nozzle includes a inlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle.