Conveyor toaster assembly and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor toasters lack user-friendly control mechanisms and visualization options for customizing toasting parameters, such as speed and heat intensity, which limits user flexibility and efficiency in producing desired toast quality.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor toaster with a heat-resistant steel chain conveyor mechanism, supported by sprockets and driven by an electric motor with speed control, featuring viewing windows and adjustable controls for varying conveyor speed and heat intensity, along with pre-set and user-programmable settings, including wireless operation through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conveyor toaster includes basic heating elements and conveyor mechanism, then toasting function is achieved, but user flexibility and control over toasting parameters are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The toasting process is segmented into multiple independent controllable parameters: conveyor speed, heating element intensity, and timing. Each parameter can be adjusted separately through the control panel, allowing users to customize the toasting process for different bread types and preferences without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel serves multiple functions: it displays toasting progress, allows speed adjustment, controls heating intensity, and provides preset options for different bread types. This multi-functional interface enables comprehensive control without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function.
2Productivity
If conveyor speed is increased to improve productivity, then toasting capacity increases, but toast quality control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor speed is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Users can modify the speed according to the specific toasting task, allowing optimization between productivity and quality control. The system adapts speed settings based on different bread types and desired toast darkness levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel provides visual feedback on the toasting process status and allows real-time monitoring. This feedback mechanism enables users to observe the toasting progress and make adjustments to maintain consistent quality even at higher conveyor speeds.
3Temperature
If heating intensity is increased to achieve darker toast, then toasting effectiveness improves, but risk of burning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element intensity is made dynamically controllable through the electronic control panel. Users can adjust the heating power level according to the desired toast darkness and bread type, enabling precise temperature control that prevents burning while achieving effective toasting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of heating parameters (intensity, duration, timing) to optimize the toasting process. By adjusting these parameters, users can achieve darker toast when needed while maintaining safety margins to prevent burning, accommodating different bread types and preferences.
4Ease of operation
If multiple control options and presets are added to enhance user experience, then customization capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed as a multi-functional interface that combines display, preset selection, and parameter adjustment capabilities in a single integrated system. This allows comprehensive control and customization without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function, maintaining ease of operation while providing extensive features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes preset options for different bread types that automatically configure appropriate parameters, allowing users to obtain good results without deep knowledge of toasting parameters. This self-service feature simplifies operation for average users while still allowing manual customization for those who desire more control.
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 users to easily customize toast quality by adjusting conveyor speed and heat intensity, providing options for darker or lighter toast, defrosting, and specific toasting patterns, enhancing user experience and efficiency with manual or wireless control options.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element for toasting the bread
Implementation Method 2
driven by an electric motor with speed control
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor toaster includes a housing having an entry slot on one side for inserting a slice of bread, a conveying mechanism for transporting the slice of bread through the toasting chamber, at least one heating element for toasting the bread, and a second opening, or exit slot, on an opposite end of the housing for extracting the toast. Speed controls operate the speed of the conveyor mechanism, and heat controls determine the level of heat intensity. Windows are provided on a front and rear portion for viewing during a toasting operation. The toaster may include a remote control via smart phone, tablet or the like, and programmable default buttons allow a user to assign heat and speed intensities and variable sequences to the programmable button to capture a user's specific heating pattern, as desired. Other pre-programmed buttons may include other speed and temperature levels and sequences.