Infrared Toaster Reflector Layout for Uniform Toasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toasters with heating elements positioned at the top and bottom of the device result in non-homogeneous toasting, as the bread is more toasted near the heating elements than in the median part, and the presence of heating elements at the bottom can cause bread crumbs to calcine and produce smoke, leading to unsatisfactory results and potential fire risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflector housing with a non-reflective surface or through holes to control infrared radiation distribution and a wall with an absorbance gradient or grid to modulate radiation intensity and prevent bread crumbs from contacting heating elements, ensuring more even toasting and reducing crumb accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heating elements are positioned at the top and bottom of the box, then the heating elements are not very visible by the user and the user can control the toasting level visually, but the bread is more toasted near the heating elements than in the median part resulting in non-homogeneous toasting
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector housing has a non-uniform reflective surface with varying reflectivity in different zones. The upper and lower portions have higher reflectivity to direct more radiation toward the median part of the bread, while the central portion has lower reflectivity. This local variation in reflective properties creates a non-uniform radiation distribution that compensates for the positioning of heating elements, achieving homogeneous toasting across the entire bread surface.
2Ease of operation
If heating elements are positioned at the top and bottom of the box, then the heating elements are not very visible by the user, but bread crumbs fall onto the heating elements and calcine producing smoke and fire risk
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector housing acts as an intermediary structure that extracts the harmful function (direct contact between crumbs and heating elements) from the system. By positioning the heating elements within the reflector housing and using the reflective surface to redirect radiation, the design separates the heat generation function from the bread processing zone, preventing crumbs from contacting the heating elements while maintaining effective toasting.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector housing serves as an intermediary between the heating elements and the bread. It redirects infrared radiation toward the bread while physically blocking the path that would allow bread crumbs to contact the heating elements. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between maintaining heating element positioning for visual control and preventing crumb accumulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If reflector housings with bent shape are used to reflect infrared radiation towards the bread, then the toasting is homogenized, but the crumbs are kept in contact with the heating elements and calcine leaving unaesthetic traces
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the potential harm of crumb accumulation into a beneficial configuration by strategically positioning the heating elements within the reflector housing. The reflective surface is shaped to direct radiation away from zones where crumbs might accumulate, transforming the reflector housing from a passive reflective surface into an active radiation management system that prevents crumb contact with heating elements while maintaining toasting homogeneity.
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 solution achieves more uniform toasting by controlling infrared radiation distribution and preventing bread crumb calcination, enhancing toasting quality and safety by reducing smoke and aesthetic issues.
Implementation Method 1
at least one infrared radiation heating element
Implementation Method 2
reflector housing enabling to reflect a part of the radiation towards the bread
Implementation Method 3
a part of a surface of said reflectors is equipped with means for preventing the radiation from being reflected towards the bread
Implementation Method 4
a wall with an absorbance gradient or grid to modulate radiation intensity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a toaster. The toaster comprises a thermally insulating box, a mobile housing to receive a slice or piece of bread, and at least one heat element. Each one of the side walls of the thermally insulating box comprises two transparent plates and a space being provided between the two plates to form a wall. The heating element utilizes infrared radiation and is equipped with at least one means for preventing a portion of the radiation from diffusing towards the bread.