Grease Collector Receptacle With Sloped Support and Controlled Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses lack effective and safe methods for collecting and disposing of cooking liquids and grease, often resulting in spills, accidents, and fires due to the limitations of small and unstable grease receptacles, and continuous draining systems that restrict control over liquid levels.
Innovation Solution
A counter-top grease collector receptacle with an oil drain stem that couples with cooking vessels, allowing for safe and selective drainage, featuring a valve, sloped surface, and adjustable posts for secure positioning, along with a disposable liner and auxiliary funnel for easy handling and viewing of liquid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small diameter container is used for collecting grease, then the container is easy to store and handle, but the grease flows along the edge of the pan causing spills and unpredictable distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary funnel structure with a wide mouth that sits between the cooking pan and the collection container. This funnel acts as a mediator that redirects grease flow from the pan edge into the container center, preventing spills while maintaining container stability. The funnel's wide opening accommodates various pan sizes and directs liquid centrally regardless of pan alignment.
2Volume of moving object
If the grease receptacle has a small diameter and greater height, then it can be compact, but it is easy to knock over and spill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a horizontal dimension to the collection system by introducing a wide-mouth funnel that extends outward from the receptacle. This dimensional addition allows the funnel to have a large opening for receiving grease while the receptacle itself remains compact and stable. The funnel's wide base provides a larger footprint that resists knocking over.
3Extent of automation
If the cookware is continuously drained, then grease collection is automated, but the chef has no ability to control the liquid level
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service drainage where grease automatically flows into the container through gravity and the funnel structure, eliminating the need for manual pouring. The chef can control the process by simply positioning the pan near the funnel and tilting it slightly, maintaining full operational control while achieving automated collection.
4Ease of operation
If a valve is provided in the oil drain stem, then selective drainage is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive valve mechanism that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the drain stem. The valve is designed to be straightforward and reliable, accepting that it may require occasional replacement but prioritizing low cost and ease of manufacture over long-term durability.
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
Enables safe, convenient, and effective collection and disposal of cooking fluids and grease, reducing spills and accidents, while allowing control over liquid levels and easy emptying, enhancing kitchen safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The receptacle is located beneath the cooking vessel support to enable gravity transfer of fluids from cooking vessel to receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A counter-top grease collector receptacle that is co-operative with a cooking vessel to collect and dispose of cooking fluids and grease. A cover defines a sloped cooking vessel support. A mechanism or wedge may be provided to control the slope angle. A receptacle has an interior that is adapted to operatively receive and contain fluids drained from the cooking vessel. The receptacle is located beneath the cooking vessel support to enable gravity transfer of fluids from cooking vessel to receptacle. An oil drain stem is adapted to operatively removably couple the cooking vessel to the receptacle. The cover is cooperative with the cooking vessel support and receptacle to enclose and conceal the receptacle interior. An auxiliary funnel inlet may also be provided above the receptacle to receive fluids from cooking vessels not otherwise adapted to couple through the oil drain stem.