Overmolded Wiping Discs for Fryer Drain Grease Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fryer drain cleaners, typically made of stiff wire, are ineffective in completely removing grease from fryer drains as they leave significant residue on the inner walls, failing to efficiently clean and capture waste grease.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a central member with overmolded wiping discs and support structures, where the discs are supported by elongated or extended overmolded supports that can be affixed to the central member, allowing for effective wiping and capturing of grease within the tubular drain, using materials like polypropylene, nylon, or thermoplastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stiff wire is used to punch holes through grease accumulation, then grease drainage is improved, but grease residue remains on the inner drain wall
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is segmented into multiple sections with alternating patterns of sharp protrusions (for punching holes) and soft wiping discs (for removing residue). This segmentation allows the single tool to perform both functions: creating drainage paths and cleaning the inner wall, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving drainage and reducing residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two previously separate functions (punching holes and wiping walls) into a single integrated tool. The wire combines both punching capability and wiping capability in one device, allowing simultaneous execution of both operations during a single pass through the drain.
2Device complexity
If a single wire is used for cleaning, then device simplicity is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is divided into functional segments with alternating punching and wiping sections. This segmentation increases cleaning effectiveness without requiring multiple separate tools, maintaining relative simplicity while improving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire incorporates composite construction with sharp portions for punching and soft wiping discs for cleaning. This composite approach within a single device structure enables both functions to be performed effectively, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing grease from a tubular drain includes a central member. The device also includes an overmolded structure having a plurality of overmolded wiping discs and a plurality of overmolded support structures. Each wiping disc is supported by an overmolded support on either side of each wiping disc of the plurality of wiping discs. At least one of the plurality of overmolded support structures has at least one hole configured to accept a pin to non-slidingly affix the overmolded structure to the central member. Methods for using the device and for manufacturing the device are also described.