Countertop Flatbread Maker with Automated Metering and Platen Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automatic bread makers are not suitable for making flatbreads like roti due to inconsistencies in ingredient measurement, lack of dough flattening and flipping mechanisms, which are crucial for producing authentic roti.
Innovation Solution
A countertop appliance with an ingredient metering system, mixing assembly, and cooking assembly that includes platens for flattening and rotating dough, allowing for precise ingredient measurement, mixing, and cooking processes based on stored recipe information from machine-readable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional automatic bread makers are used, then baking function is provided, but ingredient measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of automated metering
Solution Approach 1:
The ingredient container performs self-measurement through an integrated load cell that automatically detects the weight of ingredients as they are dispensed. The system eliminates the need for manual measurement by having the container itself provide weight feedback to the control system, which then regulates ingredient dispensing to achieve precise measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an electronic sensing system using a load cell. The load cell converts mechanical weight into an electrical signal that is processed by a microcontroller, enabling automated and precise ingredient measurement without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bread makers are used, then mixing function is provided, but dough flattening capability deteriorates due to lack of platen mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking assembly integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: the lower platen provides both mixing support and flattening capability, while the upper platen provides both pressing and cooking functions. This multi-functional design allows the device to handle various dough processing requirements without adding separate dedicated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The platen system employs movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different dough types and cooking requirements. The upper platen can be positioned at different heights and applied with variable pressure, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to different flattening needs for various flatbread types.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bread makers are used, then baking function is provided, but dough flipping capability deteriorates due to lack of rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking assembly incorporates a rotation mechanism that periodically flips the dough during the cooking process. This periodic flipping action ensures even cooking on both sides of the flatbread and prevents burning, automatically performing a task that would otherwise require manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism is integrated into the cooking assembly itself, allowing the system to automatically flip its own cooking substrate without requiring external manual intervention. The mechanism uses the cooking assembly's own structure to perform the flipping action.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual ingredient measurement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but product consistency deteriorates due to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated ingredient measurement and dispensing before the cooking process begins. The load cell continuously monitors ingredient weight during dispensing and stops automatically when the target weight is reached, eliminating the need for manual measurement and ensuring consistent results.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell provides real-time weight feedback to the control system during ingredient dispensing. The microcontroller processes this feedback and regulates the dispensing mechanism to achieve precise target weights, ensuring consistent ingredient measurements across multiple batches.
5Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cooking time is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but cooking quality deteriorates due to inability to adjust for different flatbread types
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs programmable parameters for cooking time, temperature, and rotation speed that can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific flatbread type being prepared. Different recipes can be stored with their own optimized parameters, allowing the system to adapt to various cooking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of cooking parameters including time, temperature, and rotation speed to optimize cooking for different flatbread types. The control system can store multiple recipe profiles with different parameter sets and switch between them based on the desired outcome.
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 automated, consistent production of flatbreads like roti with precise ingredient control and cooking processes, mimicking traditional cooking methods to achieve authentic texture and taste.
Implementation Method 1
The ingredient container can include a load cell that produces a signal associated with a weight of ingredients within the ingredient container
Implementation Method 2
The first heating surface and the second heating surface are each configured to contact the ingredient mixture when the cooking assembly is in the flattening configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for automating the process of making flatbread, such as roti. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, an ingredient metering assembly, a mixing bowl assembly, a mixing actuator assembly, a cooking assembly, and an electronic assembly. The housing defines an interior volume and has several access openings with corresponding lids and/or covers. The ingredient metering assembly includes a flour container assembly, a flour delivery system, a water reservoir, and an oil reservoir. The mixing bowl assembly includes two bowls and a measurement system. The mixing actuator assembly includes a mixing mount, a mixing motor, a mixing paddle assembly, and a lower motor. The cooking assembly includes two platens and an actuator assembly. The electronic assembly includes a power source, a control module, and a LCD input/output screen. All components are integrated within the housing such that the apparatus is a consumer grade countertop appliance.