Deep Fryer Body Structure for Stable Access and Cleaner Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deep fryers face challenges with complex and costly manufacturing due to multiple components, stability issues, and difficulty in maintenance and cleaning, particularly with the containing body being either a single piece or multiple pieces, leading to fragility and inefficiencies in assembly and temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A deep fryer design featuring a containing body composed of only two components, a base and a perimeter band, with integrated heating and control elements, allowing for easy assembly, maintenance, and temperature control, while keeping sensors protected from liquid and dirt, and incorporating adjustable support feet for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the containing body is made of a single piece, then the structure is stable and simple, but maintenance and adjustment of control and safety elements become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The containing body is divided into two separate components: a base and a perimeter band. This segmentation allows the control and safety elements to be accessed by removing the perimeter band, while the base remains stable and structurally sound. The base can be made as a single stable piece while the perimeter band is removable for maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the containing body is made of multiple pieces, then maintenance access is improved, but the structure becomes less stable and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The containing body is segmented into exactly two components (base and perimeter band) rather than multiple pieces. This minimal segmentation provides sufficient maintenance access while maintaining structural stability. The base remains as a stable single piece, and only the perimeter band is separated for access purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base and perimeter band are designed to work together as an integrated containing body structure. When assembled, they form a stable unified structure that provides both structural integrity and maintenance accessibility through the removable perimeter band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If more components are used to make the containing body, then maintenance access is improved, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The containing body is divided into only two components (base and perimeter band), minimizing the number of parts while still providing maintenance access. This reduces manufacturing complexity compared to designs with three or more components, while still allowing control and safety elements to be accessed by removing the perimeter band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If sensors are positioned horizontally at the base, then installation is simplified, but they are prone to contamination from liquid and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsensor contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensors are repositioned from a horizontal orientation at the base to a vertical orientation on the perimeter band. This dimensional change in sensor placement moves them away from the contamination zone where liquid and dirt accumulate at the base, while still allowing for simplified installation through the removable perimeter band structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design simplifies production, assembly, and maintenance, enhances stability and safety, reduces costs, and improves aesthetics, making the deep fryer more compact, efficient, and easier to clean, while ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

heating elements configured to raise the temperature of the cooking liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

thermostat and a connector, whereby said containing body comprises a base and a perimeter band which can be selectively connected/disconnected with respect to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3167780B1Deep fryer
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 DE LONGHI APPLIANCES SRL
  • EP3167780B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167780B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3167780B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Deep fryer (10) for cooking food that comprises at least one containing body (12) defining its structure, at least one removable tank (20) to contain cooking liquid, at least one heating unit (24) that comprises at least one heating element (25), at least one thermostat (26) and at least one connector (27). Moreover, the deep fryer (10) can be equipped or not with a lid (18) and provide at least one control and safety element (28) that is activated if there is a malfunction.