Creased Mesh Filter Screen Design for Fryer Filtration Uptime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fryer apparatus face challenges in efficiently filtering and maintaining the quality of cooking media due to contamination and chemical reactions, leading to frequent and costly replacements, especially when using expensive zero trans fat media, and result in significant downtime during filter changes.
Innovation Solution
A 'creased crumb' filter screen and filter pan design with a suction plug, syphon tube, and perforated basket that creates an air gap to prevent suction and allows for efficient filtration and reduced filter replacement frequency, enabling continuous operation without frequent filter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a paper-type filter is used to filter the cooking medium, then filtration is achieved, but the filter has limited life span and requires frequent replacement causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from paper-type filter to mesh screen filter, fundamentally altering the filtration mechanism. The mesh screen provides structural stability and reusability while maintaining filtration effectiveness, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a durable, reusable mesh screen instead of a disposable paper filter. The mesh screen can be cleaned and reused multiple times, transforming a short-lived consumable into a long-lasting component that reduces operational downtime.
2Reliability
If a paper-type filter is fitted over a metal filter grating, then the filter is prevented from being drawn down the drain, but the filter still requires frequent changes and creates mess during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combination of paper filter over metal grating with a single integrated mesh screen that is both stable and reusable. The mesh screen is secured to the metal support structure, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and the mess associated with changing paper filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite filtering system where a mesh screen is attached to a metal support structure. This combination provides both the stability of metal and the filtering capability of the screen, while the entire assembly can be removed and cleaned as a single unit, simplifying operation.
3Productivity
If the fryer apparatus operates continuously with high volume food processing, then productivity is maintained, but frequent filter changes are required disrupting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a durable mesh screen filter that can withstand continuous high-volume operation without requiring frequent replacements. The reusable nature of the mesh screen allows the fryer to maintain continuous operation, preserving productivity while minimizing maintenance interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous filtration operation by using a mesh screen that maintains effectiveness throughout extended use. The filter can be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled without disrupting the overall frying operation, allowing the fryer to maintain continuous productive operation with minimal interruptions.
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 design enhances the filtration process by preventing suction and allowing for faster cooking chamber refills, reducing downtime and extending the life of the filter, enabling continuous operation with less frequent filter maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a syphon tube attached to the suction plug
Data Source
AI summary
A fryer apparatus includes a cooking chamber to hold cooking medium and cook food products within, a filter pan removably attached to the cooking chamber, a tube connecting the filter pan to the cooking chamber, and a pump configured to circulate cooking medium. The filter pan has a bottom wall surrounded by four side walls and an inlet passage configured to receive cooking medium into the filter pan. A filter element is removably attached to the bottom wall of filter pan and extends in a lateral direction along a length of the fryer apparatus and may have two bends spaced laterally from each other. A plug may be attached to the filter element and an outlet passage attached to the plug and configured to discharge the cooking medium.