Used Cooking Oil Collection Device with Integrated Weighing and Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting used cooking oil are not economically viable for private households due to the small quantities involved, requiring trained professionals and complex processes, and lack efficiency in distinguishing between oil and water content for accurate billing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a collection container equipped with a weighing cell, fill level meter, and electronic control system, including a valve, sieve, and barcode printer, which allows for easy operation, accurate measurement, and separation of oil from water, enabling quick and secure billing without additional personnel or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional barrels and funnels are used for collecting used cooking oil, then the collection method is simple, but it is not economically viable for private households and requires trained professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the collection container serves as both storage and measurement chamber, the weighing cell integrates with the container structure, the heating element is built into the hopper, and the control unit coordinates all components. This merging allows the device to perform accurate measurement, heating, filtration, and control in one unit, making it economically viable for private households while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables private households to independently measure, heat, and collect their used cooking oil without requiring trained professionals. The automated control unit manages the collection process, the weighing cell automatically measures the oil quantity, and the system provides clear display information. This self-service capability eliminates the need for professional intervention while ensuring accurate and reliable operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual collection methods are used, then personnel requirements are low, but accurate measurement and billing are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with an electronic weighing cell that automatically measures the mass of collected oil. The control unit processes this data and calculates the corresponding volume based on density information. This substitution of mechanical/manual measurement with electronic sensing and automated calculation achieves high measurement precision while requiring minimal automation in terms of user interaction.
3Measurement precision
If no separation system is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot distinguish between oil and water content for accurate billing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the heating function to change the temperature parameter of the collected liquid. By heating the mixture in the collection container, water evaporates while oil remains, allowing the system to distinguish between oil and water content. This parameter change approach enables accurate measurement of pure oil quantity for billing purposes without requiring complex mechanical separation systems.
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 cost-effective collection of used cooking oil in private households by ensuring accurate measurement and separation of oil from water, reducing operational costs and enabling straightforward billing, while ensuring safety and ease of use for customers.
Implementation Method 1
a collection container is arranged between the funnel and the barrel, which has a weighing cell
Implementation Method 2
a collection container is arranged between the funnel and the barrel, which has a weighing cell and a fill level meter
Implementation Method 3
the hopper has a heater
Implementation Method 4
the hopper has a sieve at the hopper outlet for retaining essentially solid particles
Implementation Method 5
the sieve has a slider for scraping off particles on the sieve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for collecting liquid used cooking oil comprising a funnel (2) and a vessel, wherein a collecting container is arranged between the funnel and vessel. The collecting container has a weighing cell and filling level gauge, the data of which cell and gauge can be detected by an electronic sensor. The collecting container has a downstream valve that can be opened by the electronic control system.