Modular Electric Conveyor Broiler With Quick-Replace Heat Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor broilers in the fast food industry often rely on gas burners, which are not available in many territories, necessitating an alternative electric broiler solution for efficient batch cooking.
Innovation Solution
An electric broiler with a housing containing a cooking chamber and a conveyor system, featuring upper and lower heat sources powered by electrical heating elements, with removable modules and quick connect/disconnect connectors for easy replacement and configuration to meet varying cooking zone requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas burners are used as heating elements in conveyor broilers, then flame broiling capability is achieved, but gas availability is limited in many territories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the heating element from gas-based to electric-based, allowing the broiler to operate in territories without gas infrastructure while maintaining the core broiling function. The electric heating elements can be configured in different patterns (e.g., linear, serpentine) to replicate various flame broiling effects.
2Ease of operation
If heating elements are made removable with quick connect/disconnect connectors, then ease of replacement and reconfiguration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into modular heating elements that can be independently removed and replaced. Each heating element is designed as a discrete unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing individual replacement without affecting the entire heating system. This modular approach simplifies maintenance and enables flexible reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect/disconnect connectors are designed with universal compatibility across different heating element types and positions. The standardized interface allows the same connector design to be used throughout the broiler system, reducing the variety of parts needed and simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of replacement.
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 efficient and uniform cooking of food products in areas without gas access, with the ability to quickly replace heating modules and configure heat sources for different cooking zones, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The removable heating module (82, 84, 86) comprises an electric heating element (94, 94A)
Data Source
AI summary
A new electric broiler is disclosed. The broiler includes a housing having a cooking chamber, and a cooking surface in the housing. Upper and lower electrical heat sources are provided in the cooking chamber above and below the cooking surface. The lower heat source includes a removable heating module having an electric heating element and a quick connect/disconnect connector for quick electrical connection and disconnection of the electric heating element to and from a quick connect/disconnect connector on the housing. The broiler also includes a module holder on the housing for holding the removable heating module. The heating module is removable from the holder for quick replacement of the module.