Disposable Liner Soak Tank for Kitchen Grease Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial kitchens face inefficiencies and high costs in removing carbon and grease from appliances due to time-consuming conventional methods and existing soak tanks that require constant electricity, have difficult drainage, and require frequent cleaning of metal-lined tanks.
Innovation Solution
A portable overnight degreasing system with a disposable liner bag, a degreasing solution that operates without heat, a drain positioned 16 inches above the floor for easy drainage, and 10-inch caster wheels for mobility, along with a donut plug for fluid impermeability and a protective cover for a preparation station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cleaning methods (manual scrubbing, acid baths, caustic chemical soaking) are used, then grease and carbon can be removed from appliances, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and requires substantial kitchen staff allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cleaning action overnight before the kitchen needs to be operational. Appliances are soaked in the cleaning solution during off-hours, allowing the cleaning process to complete before morning service begins, thus eliminating the need to allocate kitchen staff time during operational hours
Solution Approach 2:
The automated soak tank system performs the cleaning function autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. Once appliances are loaded and the tank is filled with cleaning solution, the system operates automatically throughout the night, freeing kitchen staff from manual cleaning tasks during operational hours
2Productivity
If metal-lined soak tanks are used for heating cleaning solutions, then grease removal effectiveness is improved, but the tank lining must be cleaned frequently and the drain positioning makes drainage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable plastic liner bag that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need to clean the tank lining repeatedly. This disposable liner contains the cleaning solution and comes into contact with grease, while the outer metal tank remains clean and requires no maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The drain is repositioned from near-floor level to an elevated position on the front wall of the tank. This vertical repositioning enables gravity-assisted drainage into slop sinks or commodes located at appropriate heights, making the drainage process more convenient and efficient
3Productivity
If large automatic dishwashers are used, then comprehensive cleaning capability is provided, but they occupy large swaths of kitchen space for only one use
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into a separate, dedicated soak tank unit that can be positioned independently in the kitchen. This modular approach allows the cleaning capability to be isolated from the main kitchen workflow area, occupying minimal space while providing comprehensive cleaning when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The soak tank is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in the kitchen only when cleaning is required and moved to a storage location when not in use. This dynamic positioning minimizes the permanent footprint of the cleaning equipment in the kitchen environment
4Productivity
If constant electricity flow is used to heat cleaning solutions, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous heating, the system uses periodic heating cycles during overnight operation. The heating element activates during off-hours when cleaning is needed, then shuts off, eliminating the need for constant electricity flow while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through concentrated thermal action during the soaking period
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 effectively removes carbon and grease overnight, reducing cleaning time and costs, while minimizing the need for frequent cleaning of the tank and allowing for easy movement and efficient drainage, thus improving kitchen efficiency and compliance with health regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a degreasing solution that removes grease and carbon without heat
Implementation Method 2
a drain positioned 16 inches or more above the floor to allow easy drainage into a slop sink or grease trap
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable overnight degreasing system, a work station and a method of use. The invention includes a portable soak tank with a disposable liner bag liner removably placed within the interior of the soak tank. The liner bag is then filled with a cleaning solution and soiled items are lowered into the bag liner upon removable grates. An agitator pump is positioned within the portable soak tank to agitate the cleaning solution. The soiled items remain within the locked soak tank overnight or until grease and carbon falls off of the soiled items. An optional heater may be used within the soak tank to increase the speed of degreasing. The soak tank also includes a slanted floor that funnels fluid from the interior of the soak tank into a pipe that connects to a valve on the front wall of the soak tank. Fluid is removed from the system through the valve and then the empty liner bag is disposed. When used as a workstation, a protective cover is placed over the lid and upper portion of the soak tank and a cutting board is placed over the protective cover in a recessed pocket for use by kitchen staff.