Toaster with adjustable conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor toasters face issues with accommodating food products of varying thicknesses due to fixed conveyor-platen spacing, leading to either food falling through or jamming, and are difficult to clean due to fixed conveyor attachments, limiting their flexibility and usability for a wide range of food items.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates independently adjustable conveyor assemblies with a bracket system, gears, tension springs, and adjustable racks and pinions to control conveyor belt tension and position relative to the platen, allowing for variable spacing and tension to accommodate different food products, enhancing flexibility and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed conveyor-platen spacing is used, then the structure is simple, but food products of varying thicknesses cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a mounting bracket that can be repositioned along the toaster body, allowing the spacing between the conveyor and platen to be changed based on food thickness requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor assembly is separated into independently adjustable components including the conveyor belt, mounting bracket, and tensioning mechanism, allowing each component to be adjusted or replaced separately
2Ease of operation
If fixed conveyor attachment is used, then the structure is stable, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor assembly is designed to be removable from the toaster body through the adjustable mounting bracket system, allowing the conveyor to be easily extracted for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire toaster
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket provides a dynamic attachment system that allows the conveyor to be easily positioned and secured, facilitating quick removal and reinstallation for cleaning purposes
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy-gauge wire conveyors are used, then the conveyor is durable, but marks are left on soft food products
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt material is specifically selected to have non-marring properties on the food-contact surface, while the overall conveyor assembly maintains structural integrity through its construction and mounting system
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible conveyor belt is used instead of rigid wire conveyors, allowing the belt to conform to food products without imprinted marks while still providing sufficient friction for product movement
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable conveyor spacing is implemented, then food products of varying thickness can be processed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket enables dynamic adjustment of the conveyor assembly position relative to the platen, allowing the spacing to be modified to accommodate different food thicknesses
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves multiple functions including supporting the conveyor assembly, enabling spacing adjustment, and providing a removal mechanism for cleaning, reducing the need for separate components
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
This solution enables a single conveyor toaster to efficiently toast a variety of food products by adjusting conveyor belt tension and position, preventing jamming and ensuring proper engagement with the platen, while also improving cleaning accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
A tension spring can be connected between the bracket and the second gear to apply a tensioning force on the second gear in a direction away from the first gear to place a variable tension on the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 2
A first gear can be rotatably connected to the bracket. A second gear can be rotatably connected to the bracket. A conveyor belt can be in engagement with the first gear and the second gear
Implementation Method 3
A platen can be configured to be heated and is positioned relative to the conveyor belt
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveyor toaster includes a conveyor assembly with a bracket and a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt rotates about first and second gears. A drive motor operates to move the conveyor belt about the first and second gears. A platen is configured to be heated and is positioned relative to the conveyor belt. A mounting bracket is connected to the bracket of the conveyor assembly. Movement of the mounting bracket changes the positon of the conveyor assembly relative to the platen.