Portable Cooking Oil Distribution for Remote Fryers Without Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bulk cooking oil distribution systems are impractical for facilities with kitchens remote from exterior walls, on higher building levels, or with multiple fryers spread across different locations, due to aesthetic and cost concerns associated with extensive piping.
Innovation Solution
A bulk cooking oil distribution system and method involving a network of tanks and portable devices with integrated pumps and nozzles, allowing for the transfer of fresh oil to fryers and collection of used oil, utilizing a vehicle-based system that can service multiple kitchens without the need for extensive piping, including a portable device with a propulsion mechanism to navigate through facilities like stadiums, arenas, and multi-story buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensive piping is installed to service remote kitchens or multi-story buildings, then cooking oil distribution coverage is improved, but installation cost and aesthetic impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable distribution device as an intermediary between the fixed bulk storage tank and remote fryers. This device acts as a mobile intermediary that can be transported to various locations (remote kitchens, different floors) and temporarily connected to fryers via flexible hoses, eliminating the need for permanent piping infrastructure while maintaining distribution coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static piping infrastructure to a dynamic, mobile distribution approach. The portable device with wheels can be moved to different locations as needed, and the flexible hoses allow dynamic connection to various fryer positions, providing adaptability without permanent installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional five-gallon containers are used for oil delivery, then storage flexibility is improved, but labor intensity and waste worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using automated pumps (both positive displacement and centrifugal) that automatically transfer cooking oil from the bulk tank through the portable device to the fryers. This eliminates the need for manual handling and pouring of heavy five-gallon containers, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining storage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling (lifting and pouring by hand) with automated pump systems. The positive displacement pump and centrifugal pump automatically perform the oil transfer operations, converting a labor-intensive mechanical process into an automated fluid dynamics-based system.
3Ease of manufacture
If used oil is collected in remote outdoor dumpsters, then collection simplicity is improved, but safety and security worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device serves as an intermediary for used oil collection, capturing oil directly at the fryer location before it can be spilled or improperly disposed of. The device includes a used oil collection tank that temporarily stores collected oil, acting as an intermediary storage point that prevents direct disposal in remote dumpsters and enables controlled, safe transfer to proper disposal containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring and control mechanisms that track used oil collection levels and facilitate timely retrieval. This feedback loop ensures that used oil is collected and transferred before it becomes a safety hazard or theft risk, maintaining collection simplicity while eliminating safety and security problems.
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 efficient and safe distribution and collection of cooking oil across complex facilities, reducing labor intensity, minimizing waste, and preventing theft, while maintaining aesthetic and cost considerations by using a vehicle-based system that can service multiple fryers and kitchens without extensive piping.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and associated piping for delivering cooking oil from the bulk tank to the portable device
Implementation Method 2
The portable device may include a propulsion mechanism that may be powered by any suitable source including, but not limited to, electricity, propane, or gasoline
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooking oil distribution device for filling remote fryers with fresh cooking oil. In other embodiments the device can also collect used cooking oil from the fryer. In one embodiment, a portable device includes a fresh oil tank, a three-way valve connected by piping to the fresh oil tank, a pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and a nozzle connected by piping to the pump, the nozzle having an outlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. The device may also include a used oil tank, a second three-way valve connected by piping to the used oil tank, a second pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and piping connecting the second pump to the nozzle, where the nozzle includes a inlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle.