Non-Toxic Chafing Dish Fuel Gel Using Denatonium Benzoate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chafing fuels, particularly those using ethanol, require denaturization and have environmental concerns due to toxic denaturants, and lack aesthetically appealing and renewable material-based alternatives.

Innovation Solution

A fuel gel formulation using corn-based ethanol, denatonium benzoate as a nontoxic denaturant, acrylic acid homopolymers as a thickening agent, and diisopropanolamine as a neutralizing agent, optionally with glycerin for a yellow flame, creating an environmentally friendly and visually appealing cooking fuel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional denaturants are used to denature ethanol for chafing fuel, then the fuel becomes non-beverage grade and tax-exempt, but the fuel becomes toxic and environmentally harmful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel non-beverage grade statusVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of denatonium benzoate (extreme bitterness) into a beneficial feature by using it as a denaturant that prevents beverage use while being non-toxic. The extreme bitterness naturally discourages consumption, achieving the denaturization goal without introducing toxic substances.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the denaturant from toxic compounds (traditional denaturants) to non-toxic denatonium benzoate, while maintaining the functional parameter of preventing beverage use through extreme bitterness. This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If petroleum-based fuels are used for chafing dishes, then adequate heat is provided, but environmental pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the source parameter of the fuel from petroleum-based to renewable corn-based ethanol, maintaining the thermal energy output while eliminating the environmental pollution associated with fossil fuels. This substitution of material origin resolves the contradiction between performance and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential waste product of corn processing (corn starch) into a valuable fuel source through fermentation to produce ethanol. This transforms an agricultural byproduct into a clean-burning fuel that provides adequate heat while being environmentally friendly.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If alcohol-based fuels are used without denaturants, then the fuel remains potable and safe, but it becomes subject to beverage alcohol taxation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtax burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the extreme bitterness of denatonium benzoate into a beneficial denaturant property that makes the alcohol undrinkable without being toxic. This natural deterrent achieves the tax-exempt status goal while maintaining safety, eliminating the need for toxic denaturants.

Inventive Principle:

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

4Object-generated harmful factors

If renewable materials like corn are used to produce ethanol, then environmental sustainability improves, but the fuel may lack aesthetic appeal and consistent performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidperformance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the fuel by adding a gelifying agent to create a gel structure. This transformation provides consistent viscosity, controlled burn rate, and stable performance characteristics to the renewable ethanol fuel, resolving the reliability concern while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fuel gel provides a sustainable, non-toxic, and visually appealing cooking solution with controlled viscosity and burn rate, suitable for use in chafing dishes and other heat sources, offering a renewable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional fuels.

Implementation Method 1

The fuel gel of the present invention includes an alcohol, a nontoxic denaturant, a thickening agent, and at least one neutralizing agent. An exemplary formulation of the present invention includes corn-based ethanol, denatonium benzoate, acrylic acid homopolymers, diisopropanolamine, corn-based glycerin, and distilled water.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel: Gel

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

Gelled fuels can be used as sources for heating, such as for cooking with a chafing dish. In this setting, the gelled fuel is situated within a container located underneath a chafing dish and ignited to warm the food present within the chafing dish.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS8512424B2Chafing dish fuel

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 THE STERNO GRP CO LLC

AI summary

A fuel gel including an alcohol, a nontoxic denaturant, a thickening agent, and at least one neutralizing agent is disclosed. An exemplary formulation includes corn-based ethanol, denatonium benzoate, acrylic acid homopolymers, diisopropanolamine, corn-based glycerin, and distilled water.