Sink Drain FOG Disposal Container With Absorbent Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disposing of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) are inefficient, hazardous, and environmentally harmful, as they often result in pipe clogging, require costly professional interventions, and lack cost-effective, one-time use solutions that prevent material wastage and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, biodegradable container with a rigid membrane and absorbent material designed to fit within a kitchen sink drain, converting FOG from a liquid to a solid state, allowing for safe and efficient disposal without the need for additional handling or storage steps, and minimizing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If FOG is poured down drains, then disposal is convenient and quick, but pipes become clogged and require costly professional intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (absorbent material such as cat litter, sand, or other granular materials) that mediates between the liquid FOG and the drainage system. This absorbent material intercepts the FOG in the sink, absorbs it, and prevents it from entering the pipes, thereby resolving the contradiction between convenient disposal and pipe clogging prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable absorbent materials that are inexpensive and single-use. After absorbing FOG, these materials are discarded with regular trash, providing a convenient and low-cost solution that eliminates the need for expensive professional plumbing interventions
2Productivity
If hot liquid FOG is handled and disposed of immediately, then disposal is timely, but risk of spills and burns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the absorbent material ready in the sink before FOG is poured. The absorbent material is pre-positioned to immediately absorb FOG upon contact, allowing timely disposal while simultaneously preventing spills and burns through the absorbing action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful hot liquid FOG into a beneficial absorbed state. The heat and liquidity of FOG, which cause burns and spills, are transformed into an absorbed mass that is safe to handle and dispose of, turning a hazardous substance into a manageable one
3Loss of substance
If FOG is stored in non-rigid containers, then container material usage is reduced, but containers can be punctured or deformed causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using rigid materials only where structural integrity is needed (the container walls) while using absorbent material where FOG contact is required. This localized material assignment provides both puncture resistance and FOG absorption capability, resolving the contradiction between material efficiency and container reliability
4Ease of repair
If conventional methods like boiling water or detergent are used, then FOG is temporarily liquefied, but FOG re-solidifies further down the line causing the same problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts FOG from the drainage system before it can cause problems. Instead of attempting to move FOG through the pipes (which leads to re-solidification and clogging), the absorbent material extracts FOG at the source and removes it with the trash, eliminating the recurring clogging issue
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 container provides a safe, economical, and environmentally friendly solution for FOG disposal by preventing pipe clogging, reducing the risk of spills and burns, and optimizing absorbent material usage, thus encouraging proper disposal practices.
Implementation Method 1
The article may also comprise an interior section of absorbent material for converting FOG absorbed thereby from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid or semi-sold state
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an article for disposing of fat, oil, and/or grease (FOG) that may include a top opening defined by a perimeter rim configured for placement on a sink bottom surface surrounding a drain. A body may be attached to the perimeter rim, and having an exterior defined by a FOG-impermeable membrane, a portion of which may be sized to fit within the drain, and having an interior including FOG absorbent material. In another example, a container for disposing of (FOG) may include an outer shell having an at least partially hollow interior, a top opening part, a liquid impermeable bottom part, and a liquid impermeable middle part connecting and contiguous to both the top opening part and the bottom part, the top opening part comprising a rim adapted for placement on a surface surrounding a top part of a drain.