Grease Interceptor Lid Height Adjustment via Cuttable Pipe Stub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial food service establishments face challenges in installing grease interceptors due to varying distances between the interceptor and the finished grade, requiring an adjustable height lid to ensure proper installation and prevent damage or obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A grease interceptor system with a recessed portion and pipe stub configuration allows for an adjustable lid, supported by a corrugated pipe stub and fastening means, enabling the lid to be levelled with the finished grade, and a method to cut the pipe stub to length for precise fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed height lid is used on the grease interceptor, then the installation is simpler, but the lid cannot accommodate varying distances from the finished grade and may cause damage or obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The lid height is made adjustable through a pipe stub that can be cut to different lengths and positioned at varying depths within the recessed portion. This dynamic configuration allows the lid to adapt to different finished grade elevations while maintaining a fixed structure during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly is divided into separate components: the lid itself, the pipe stub, and the recessed portion. This segmentation allows the pipe stub to be independently adjusted in length and position, enabling the lid to accommodate varying installation conditions without redesigning the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is positioned too high above the finished grade, then access is easier, but it creates obstacles and potential damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical position parameter of the lid is made variable by adjusting the pipe stub length and depth. This allows optimization of the lid height to achieve the right balance between accessibility and minimizing obstruction, adapting to each specific installation site's requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is positioned too low near the finished grade, then obstruction is minimized, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable pipe stub mechanism provides dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing installers to optimize the lid position for each specific application. This ensures sufficient clearance for maintenance operations while keeping the lid close enough to the finished grade to minimize obstruction and aesthetic impact.
4Manufacturing precision
If a custom height lid is manufactured for each installation, then perfect fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system is segmented into a standard lid component and an adjustable pipe stub. This allows the lid itself to be manufactured with standard dimensions, while the pipe stub provides the customization capability through simple cutting and positioning operations, greatly simplifying manufacturing compared to custom-making each entire lid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe stub can be easily cut to the required length on-site using standard tools, allowing the installation team to customize the lid height without requiring specialized manufacturing processes. This self-service approach to customization reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving precise fit.
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 flexible and damage-free installation of grease interceptors by ensuring the lid is always level with the finished grade, accommodating varying installation conditions and preventing obstacles, while allowing for easy access and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A pipe stub (65) has a first end (68) and a second end (71) disposed opposite from the first end (68). The first end (68) is supported on the recessed portion bottom wall (64). A lid (27) is supported on the second end (71) of the pipe stub (65).
Data Source
AI summary
A grease interceptor system with a corrugated pipe stub that can be obtained and cut to size in the field during installation.