Bread Maker with Collapsible Container for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bread makers are bulky and difficult to store when not in use, occupying valuable kitchen space.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container with foldable boundary panels that form a cooking cavity when in use and collapse into a compact structure for storage, featuring a detachable container cover and base for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bread maker is designed with a fixed container, then the cooking cavity is stable and functional during use, but the bread maker occupies a lot of space on the countertop and is difficult to store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with collapsible side walls that can transition between an extended cooking position and a folded storage position. The side walls include folding structures with connecting portions that allow the container to be collapsed into a compact form, reducing its volume from the extended state to a state that fits within the base for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into multiple segments including a bottom wall and multiple side walls that can be independently folded. Each side wall includes connecting portions that allow it to be detached or folded relative to adjacent walls, enabling the container to be disassembled or collapsed into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Volume of moving object
If a collapsible container is designed for compact storage, then the bread maker can be easily stored when not in use, but the structure becomes more complex requiring foldable panels and detachable components
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls incorporate folding mechanisms with connecting portions that allow the container to transition between extended and folded states. The connecting portions include engaging structures that automatically lock when folded, reducing the need for complex fastening mechanisms while enabling compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
When the container is folded for storage, the side walls are arranged to nest within the base structure. The collapsible design allows the container to be compacted into a space that fits within or alongside the base, minimizing the overall storage volume required.
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 convenient use and compact storage of the bread maker, allowing for efficient space utilization in kitchens.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element mounted in the base
Data Source
AI summary
A bread maker includes a base having an accommodating cavity and a heating plate, a heating element, and a collapsible container. The collapsible container includes a body assembly detachably supported on the heating plate. The body assembly includes a plurality of boundary panels, wherein each of the boundary panels foldably connected to two of the adjacent boundary panels so to move between an unfolded position and a folded position, wherein in the unfolded position, the boundary panels are extended to form a substantially rectangular structure on the heating plate, wherein in the folded position, each of the boundary panels is folded with respect to adjacent boundary panels so as to be collapsible into a stacked structure, so that the stacked structure can be accommodated in the accommodating cavity.