Sink Grease Funnel and Housing for Drain Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grease holding devices are inadequate for managing large amounts of used grease, as they do not prevent grease from flowing down sink drains and lack efficient storage and disposal solutions.
Innovation Solution
A sink-based grease holding system with a peripheral flange, housing, and a telescoping pipe-funnel assembly that allows for the collection and storage of grease, featuring a heating element to liquefy grease for easy disposal and a removable liner for container convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grease is poured down the sink drain, then it is easily disposed of, but grease accumulates in drains causing blockages and hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts grease from the drainage stream by providing a separate collection system. The grease collection container with funnel allows grease to be removed and stored separately before disposal, preventing it from entering and blocking the drain pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The grease collection container acts as an intermediary between the sink and the drain. Grease is collected in this intermediate container rather than flowing directly to the drain, and can be disposed of separately when full.
2Reliability
If a grease holding device is installed to prevent drain blockages, then grease can be stored safely, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The grease collection container serves multiple functions: it collects grease from the sink, stores it safely, and provides a disposal mechanism. The funnel structure both guides grease into the container and seals the opening when removed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional parts: the collection container, the funnel with peripheral lip, and the drain cover. Each component has a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If a funnel with peripheral lip is used to direct grease into the housing, then grease collection is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel and the drain cover are merged into a single integrated component. The peripheral lip of the funnel forms part of the drain cover structure, eliminating the need for separate parts and simplifying assembly while maintaining effective grease directing functionality.
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
Effectively prevents grease from entering sink drains and provides a convenient method for storing and disposing of large grease quantities by allowing controlled liquefaction and pouring of grease into a container, enhancing safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a heating element to liquefy grease for easy disposal
Implementation Method 2
A funnel is fluidly attached to the second end of the pipe. The funnel has an upper edge that has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A grease receiving and holding system includes a sink that has a peripheral flange having an opening extending therethrough. A housing is mounted below a plane of the peripheral flange. The housing has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between and is attached to the top and bottom walls. A pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the housing. A funnel is fluidly attached to the second end of the pipe. The funnel has an upper edge that has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the opening. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends around the upper edge. The peripheral lip is abuttable against the flange when the funnel is positioned in the opening. Grease may be poured down the funnel and into the housing.