Modular bake tray assembly with removable panini press
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toaster ovens rely on convection heating, limiting the ability to achieve a Maillard reaction, while panini presses with embedded heating elements provide conduction heating, but require separate appliances.
Innovation Solution
A modular bake tray assembly with a removable panini press accessory that allows for both convection and conduction heating by pivoting grill plates, enabling direct contact with food for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heating elements are arranged at a distance from the food support element to allow food placement, then food can be arranged on the support element, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates and Maillard reaction cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable grill plate assembly that can be adjusted between different positions. The grill plate is mounted on a sliding mechanism allowing it to move closer to or farther from the food support element dynamically, rather than being fixed at a distance. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize heat transfer efficiency by bringing the heating surface into direct contact with food when needed for Maillard reaction, while maintaining ease of food arrangement when the plate is retracted.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a separate panini press appliance is used to achieve conduction heating and Maillard reaction, then direct heat contact is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of a toaster oven and a panini press into a single integrated device. The grill plate assembly incorporates heating elements within its structure, combining the convection heating chamber of a toaster oven with the conduction heating surface of a panini press. This allows users to achieve direct heat contact and Maillard reaction without requiring a separate panini press appliance, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining conduction heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill plate assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a heating element for convection mode when positioned above the food, and as a direct contact conduction heating surface when lowered onto the food. The same component structure enables both toasting and panini pressing operations, making the device universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized appliances.
3Device complexity
If a fixed grill plate configuration is used, then device structure is simplified, but cooking versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grill plate assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the grill plate to be moved to different heights and angles. This dynamic configurability enables various cooking modes including direct contact grilling, indirect roasting, and panini pressing, providing cooking versatility without significantly complicating the overall device structure through the use of straightforward mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 integrates convection and conduction heating in a single device, reducing the need for multiple appliances and allowing for efficient browning of food through various configurations and angles, enhancing cooking versatility and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the toaster oven is only capable of cooking or warming food through convection heating means
Implementation Method 2
the accessory can include a grill plate having a second cooking surface... enabling direct contact with food for enhanced heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
heating elements are arranged underneath the internal food support element
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking device assembly is provided. The cooking device assembly includes a cooking device having a housing with an opening and a cooking compartment arranged therein. A tray assembly is configured to be arranged within the cooking compartment, and includes a tray having a first cooking surface, a shield configured to sustainably cover the opening of the housing when the tray assembly is inserted into the cooking compartment, and an accessory removably mated to the tray, having a grill plate and a bracket. The grill plate has a second cooking surface. The bracket has a first arm pivotally connected to a first side of the grill plate, and a second arm pivotally connected to a second side of the grill plate. The first cooking surface is configured to be arranged at any angle relative to the second cooking surface with the grill plate at any height relative to the tray.