Flow-Through Oil Quality Sensor for Precise Fryer Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep-frying oil quality measurement devices require active operator participation, are prone to handling errors, and lack high precision, especially in fast-paced environments like fast food restaurants, and existing stationary sensors do not meet the highest precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A permanently installable oil quality sensor with a cylinder or tube capacitor design that guides deep-frying oil through its electrodes, allowing for precise capacitance measurements and incorporating temperature sensors to account for temperature gradients, along with a shield electrode for interference protection and a digital interface for easy data emission and programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable measuring device with interdigital capacitor is used, then the device can be easily handled, but the measuring precision is insufficient and the capacitor can be damaged if it touches the deep fryer basin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow-through capacitor design where oil flows through a controlled path between electrodes rather than using a portable interdigital capacitor that requires manual handling. This intermediary flow-through structure eliminates the risk of capacitor damage while maintaining measurement precision through controlled oil flow and extended electrode geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual portable measuring system with an automated flow-through sensor system integrated into the deep fryer. The mechanical handling of capacitors is substituted by an automated oil flow mechanism that continuously passes oil through the measurement chamber, eliminating handling errors and improving precision
2Measurement precision
If a stationary oil quality sensor is installed, then the measuring precision can be improved, but the device complexity increases and it requires integration into existing oil cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oil quality measurement function with the existing deep fryer structure by integrating the flow-through capacitor directly into the oil circulation system. The measurement chamber is merged with the oil flow path, eliminating the need for separate portable devices while maintaining precision through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-through capacitor design serves multiple functions: it measures oil quality through capacitance changes, monitors oil temperature, and integrates with the existing oil circulation system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If the deep-frying oil is guided through an elongated capacitor, then the measuring precision is increased significantly, but the device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional interdigital capacitor to a three-dimensional flow-through capacitor with extended oil flow path. The oil flows through the elongated capacitor structure, increasing the interaction length between oil and electrodes, which significantly improves measurement precision while the modular design facilitates integration
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 solution provides easier, safer, and more precise deep-frying oil quality measurement, integrating seamlessly into existing oil cycles without causing pressure changes or turbulence, and allows for universal use across different oil types, enhancing measurement accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the oil quality sensor (1) has a capacitor (25)... the deep-frying oil forms a dielectric material of the capacitor (25) in a space (26) between the two electrodes (15, 20)... measure the capacitance of the deep-frying oil
Implementation Method 2
the deep-frying oil forms a dielectric material of the capacitor (25)... takes advantage of the dielectric constant of the deep-frying oil, which changes as it ages
Implementation Method 3
incorporating temperature sensors to account for temperature gradients... the temperature of the deep-frying oil enters directly in the calculation of the polar fractions
Data Source
AI summary
An oil quality sensor to determine the quality of deep-frying oil by measuring the capacitance of the deep-frying oil in a deep fryer includes a housing and a hollow space in the housing through which the deep-frying oil is guided. An inlet opening introduces deep-frying oil to the hollow space, and a drain opening guides the deep-frying oil out of the hollow space. A first bent electrode extends along the hollow space, and a second bent electrode extends along the hollow space and is arranged opposite the first electrode, in which case the two electrodes form a capacitor and deep-frying oil is guided through the space formed between these two electrodes to measure its capacitance. A first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the oil used for deep frying that needs to be measured. An evaluation unit records the measured capacitance of the capacitor and the measured temperature, digitalizes these measured values, and calculates the polar fractions in the deep-frying oil, in which case these polar fractions are a criterion for the quality of the deep-frying oil.