Closed-Loop Fryer Filtration to Reduce Debris and Sensor Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep fryers with removable filter pans face issues due to the need for multiple sensors, which can be impacted by debris, and the open nature of filter pans allows debris to enter the cooking fluid, requiring effective debris removal to ensure proper operation and extend the life of cooking fluid.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop fryer fluid circulation system that eliminates the open filter pan by using a deep drawn cooking vat with rounded corners and a flow separator with a weir to direct cooking fluid from the cooking portion to a cleaning zone, where debris is caught by a crumb tray or conveyor, creating convection currents for uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an open filter pan is used to filter cooking fluid, then filtration function is provided, but debris can enter the cooking fluid and multiple sensors are needed which are impacted by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful open filter pan from the system and replaces it with a closed-loop filtration system. The filtration function is maintained through a closed conduit that transports cooking fluid to a filter assembly, eliminating the need for open filter pans that expose cooking fluid to debris while requiring multiple sensors for monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closed conduit as an intermediary element that connects the cooking vessel to the filter assembly. This intermediary structure allows cooking fluid to be transported for filtration without direct exposure to the external environment, thereby maintaining fluid cleanliness while simplifying the sensor requirements compared to an open filter pan system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a removable filter pan is implemented, then filtration is possible, but additional sensors are needed to detect pan position and fluid presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtration function with a fixed filter assembly that is integrated into the cooking system rather than using a separate removable filter pan. This consolidation eliminates the need for sensors to detect pan position and fluid presence, as the closed-loop system continuously circulates cooking fluid through the integrated filter assembly without requiring positional monitoring.
3Ease of manufacture
If sharp corners are present in the fryer vat, then manufacturing is simplified, but crumbs and debris settle and stick in corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the interior surfaces of the cooking vessel, replacing sharp corners with rounded surfaces. This spherical/curved geometry prevents crumbs and debris from settling and sticking in corners, as there are no sharp angles for debris to accumulate. The curved surfaces facilitate easier debris removal while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through forming processes.
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
This configuration effectively removes debris from the cooking fluid, reduces temperature gradients, and enhances cooking properties by maintaining a clean and uniformly heated oil environment, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and reducing debris entry into the fluid.
Implementation Method 1
creating convection currents for uniform heating
Implementation Method 2
directed, e.g., downward, flow of cooking oil, results in a substantial amount of any crumbs and food debris (which tends to gravitate toward the bottom of the vat) being picked up and moved with the flow of oil
Implementation Method 3
The inlet(s), which may be in the form of a flow jet or nozzle, may be configured to direct the flow of oil in a downward and/or forward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A substantially closed loop filtration and convection system is configured to move fluid/oil volume within a fryer vat. The vat has a flow directed inlet, which directs flow of cooking fluid in a direction across the bottom of the vat directing the flow of oil and crumbs/debris across the vat, up and across a flow separation portion toward and into a cleaning zone portion of the vat. A crumb tray or crumb/debris catch system is disposed in the cleaning zone adjacent to the vat.