Deep-fryer Oil Pan with Segmented Zones and Independent Basket Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep-frying units face inefficiencies due to long process paths and separate oil quality management, leading to overcooking and increased waiting times for users, especially when handling multiple orders.
Innovation Solution
A deep-frying unit with an open-top oil pan capable of holding multiple baskets simultaneously, where each basket can be independently moved using a transport unit, allowing for simultaneous frying and optimized oil temperature and quality management, along with adjustable immersion depths and a system for oil filtration and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate oil pans are used for each basket, then each basket can be fried independently, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pan is divided into multiple independent frying zones separated by partition walls, allowing each zone to function independently while sharing the common oil pan structure. This enables separate temperature control and frying processes for different baskets without requiring completely separate oil pans, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common oil pan serves multiple functions: it provides a shared heating source for all zones, maintains overall oil temperature stability through large oil volume, and allows simultaneous frying of multiple different food items in separate zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate systems.
2Productivity
If multiple baskets are fried simultaneously in separate oil pans, then frying capacity increases, but the waiting time for users increases due to long transport paths
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frying zones are merged into a single common oil pan with a shared heating system and centralized transport mechanism. This allows baskets to be moved directly between loading and unloading positions through the oil pan without long external transport paths, significantly reducing waiting time while maintaining high frying capacity.
3Temperature
If a single large oil pan is used for multiple baskets, then oil temperature consistency improves, but the ability to control frying conditions for each basket independently decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single large oil pan is segmented into multiple zones by partition walls, creating separate frying environments. Each zone can have independent temperature control while benefiting from the thermal mass of the entire oil pan, thus achieving both temperature consistency and independent condition control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones within the oil pan can have different temperature settings, heating powers, or frying conditions tailored to specific food items being fried in each zone, while the overall system maintains stable oil temperature through the large oil volume.
4Ease of operation
If separate transport units are used for each basket, then independent basket movement is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple basket transport functions are merged into a single centralized transport unit that can move multiple baskets simultaneously or sequentially. This shared transport system reduces the number of independent mechanisms required, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing maintenance needs while still enabling independent basket movement.
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 solution enables efficient, simultaneous frying of multiple items with uniform oil quality, reducing waiting times and preventing overcooking by allowing for independent control of each basket's frying conditions and maintaining oil quality through continuous filtration and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
A heating coil is provided inside the oil pan, spaced apart from the base and side walls, for heating the oil contained within the pan
Implementation Method 2
Due to the distance between the heating coil and the base, a zone of cooler oil can form below the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A deep-fryer unit, comprising an oil pan (1) which is open substantially at the top, a transportation unit (2) by means of which a basket (3) can be moved from a filling position into the interior of the oil pan (1) and by means of which the basket (3) can be moved from the interior of the oil pan (1) into an emptying position, wherein the oil pan (1) is designed in such a way that it can accommodate a plurality of baskets (3) at the same time, and wherein the transportation unit (2) is designed in such a way that the baskets (3) can be moved independently of one another.