Curved Heating Element Assembly to Reduce Toaster Cooking Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking appliances, such as toasters and toaster ovens, suffer from slow cooking times and poor cooked food quality due to inefficient heating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A heating assembly with a curved shape and an electrical resistance heating element that emits infrared radiation directly into the cooking cavity, minimizing heat loss and optimizing radiation distribution through a support system that maintains the curved shape during thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heating mechanisms are used in toasters and toaster ovens, then the heating process is simpler and less complex, but cooking times are slow and food quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is formed into a curved shape with a concave side facing the cooking cavity. This curvature focuses infrared radiation onto the food, increasing heating efficiency and reducing cooking time without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted from contact with the support structure at portions between longitudinal ends, allowing it to freely expand and contract during thermal cycles. This reduces heat loss to the support while maintaining the element's curved shape for optimized radiation distribution
2Loss of energy
If the heating element is kept in direct contact with the support for stability, then the heating element is securely positioned, but heat is lost to the support reducing heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The contact between the heating element and support is segmented rather than continuous. The element contacts the support at discrete locations (such as at the ends) while remaining separated at portions between longitudinal ends, minimizing thermal conduction paths while maintaining positional stability
Solution Approach 2:
A retainer acts as an intermediary component between the heating element and support structure. The retainer holds the curved heating element in its proper position and allows for thermal expansion and contraction without requiring direct continuous contact between the element and support
3Shape
If the heating element is made flexible to achieve curved shape, then the element can be easily formed and positioned, but the element may deform under thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed with dynamic characteristics, being flexible enough to achieve and maintain a curved shape while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction. The element can elastically deform to accommodate temperature changes without permanent deformation or failure
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element's flexibility serves as a cushioning mechanism against thermal stress. By being able to deform elastically, the element absorbs thermal expansion and contraction forces before they can cause permanent damage or structural failure
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 configuration results in faster cooking times and improved food quality by focusing infrared radiation directly onto the food, reducing heat loss and maintaining efficient heating performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical resistance heating element coupled to the support... when electrical current is passed through the metal material
Implementation Method 2
The heating element may include a metal material that emits infrared and other electromagnetic radiation... infrared radiation emitted by the heating element may travel directly from the heating element to the cooking cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A heating assembly for a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven, has a support and/or heating element with a curved shape having a concave side facing a cooking cavity. The support and/or heating element may be flexible, e.g., having a planar shape when unstressed and a curved shape when stressed. The support and/or heating element may define a sheet, e.g., having a length and width. The heating element may have openings in the sheet. The heating element may be coupled to the support so as to be slidable movable relative to the support, e.g., so the heating element can slide relative to the support when the support and heating element are bent into a curved shape.