Flatbread Maker With Metering, Flattening, and Flipping Control
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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 controlled cooking, including flipping, based on recipe information stored in a machine-readable component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional automatic bread makers are used to make flatbreads, then the baking function is provided, but ingredient measurement consistency deteriorates and dough flattening/flipping capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: an ingredient metering assembly with separate hoppers for precise measurement of each ingredient, a mixing assembly, a cooking assembly with platens for flattening and flipping. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, ensuring both measurement precision and adaptability for flatbread-specific operations like flattening and flipping.
2Reliability
If manual ingredient measurement is used in traditional bread makers, then device complexity is reduced, but product consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ingredient metering assembly automatically measures and dispenses precise quantities of ingredients from separate hoppers without requiring manual measurement by the user. The system self-regulates the mixing process based on pre-programmed recipes, ensuring consistent product quality while minimizing user intervention and the complexity of manual operations.
3Productivity
If dough is cooked on both sides simultaneously in known flatbread makers, then cooking efficiency is improved, but authentic roti texture and puffing capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking assembly alternates between cooking one side of the dough and flipping to cook the other side, emulating traditional roti-making methods. This periodic flipping action allows moisture to escape from the upwardly-oriented side, creates the characteristic puff, and achieves authentic texture. The system maintains high productivity through automated timing and flipping mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If fixed baking time is used in traditional bread makers, then operation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different flatbread recipes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to store and execute multiple pre-programmed recipes for different flatbread types (roti, tortillas, pita, etc.), each with specific timing, temperature, and flipping parameters. This allows the device to maintain ease of operation with simple button presses while being highly adaptable to various recipes and cooking requirements through its multi-functional control capabilities.
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
The appliance automates the process of making flatbreads, ensuring consistent production of roti by accurately measuring ingredients, flattening, and cooking, mimicking traditional cooking methods to achieve the desired texture and taste.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, and a cooking plate... to cook the dough
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.