Deep Fryer Rack Control With Temperature-Triggered Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current racking systems for deep fryers require substantial operator involvement and exertion, posing safety concerns and risking undercooked or overcooked food due to unreliable temperature control and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A racking system with a controller that automatically lowers and raises racks based on pre-set temperature and time parameters, ensuring safe and consistent cooking by integrating temperature sensors and a motorized mechanism, requiring dual-button activation for added safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual racking systems are used with motors and mechanical lifts, then the food can be moved into cooking oil, but operator safety concerns increase due to substantial operator involvement and exertion
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors oil temperature, activates the racking mechanism when temperature is appropriate, controls the lowering speed, and terminates cooking when time elapses - all without continuous operator intervention. The controller autonomously manages the entire cooking process from temperature monitoring to rack activation and termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated controller that uses sensors to detect oil temperature and automatically activates the motor-driven racking system. The controller substitutes human judgment and physical action with automated temperature sensing and motor control.
2Productivity
If manual racking systems are used to lower food into cooking oil, then cooking can be performed, but cooking precision deteriorates due to unreliable temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously receives signals from the temperature sensor monitoring cooking oil temperature and automatically activates the racking system when the oil reaches the appropriate temperature range. This closed-loop feedback ensures cooking begins only at the correct temperature, eliminating manual temperature judgment errors.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated temperature sensing and motorized racking are implemented, then cooking precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: monitoring oil temperature, determining when to activate the racking mechanism, controlling the lowering speed, timing the cooking duration, and terminating the cycle. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate control devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 system ensures food is cooked to perfection with minimal operator intervention, enhancing safety and consistency by automating the cooking process and preventing undercooking or overcooking.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor to sense a temperature of the cooking oil
Implementation Method 2
a contact sensor that detects contact of the rack; and a controller that includes a timer that commences cooking the food product when the contact sensor detects contact of the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a deep fryer having a frypot containing a cooking Medium including a holder that carries a food product to be cooked in the cooking medium and a motor operatively connected to the holder that lowers the holder into the cooking medium. The system further includes a sensor that detects contact of the holder when the holder is immersed in the cooking medium; and a controller including a timer that commences cooking the food product when the sensor contacts holder.