Toaster and control system for a toaster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical toasters lack precise control over the toasting operation, are prone to jamming, and are not equipped to handle different sizes of bread or other food items like waffles and bagels.
Innovation Solution
A motorized toaster with a carriage assembly that includes a supporting rack and slider members, driven by a motor, allowing for precise vertical positioning and automatic lowering and raising of food items, along with an improved control system that includes a position sensor and electromagnet for anti-jam functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a resilient element (compressive spring) is used to raise the carriage from the lower toasting position to the upper operative position, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the control precision is poor and it is prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based resilient element with a motorized driving system. The motor (124) drives a crank (126) that converts rotational motion into vertical linear motion of the carriage assembly through a crank-slider mechanism, eliminating the need for compressive springs and providing controlled, jam-resistant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system automatically controls the carriage movement between toasting and retrieval positions based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex spring mechanisms. The system self-regulates the raising and lowering of the carriage through the motor and crank mechanism.
2Reliability
If a motorized driving system with crank and slider members is used to raise and lower the carriage, then the control precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carriage assembly into multiple functional components: a supporting rack (102) for holding food, a first slider member (104) connected to the rack, a second slider member (106) with a slot receiving the crank, and a crank (126) connected to the motor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic crank-slider mechanism where the crank rotates to drive the slider members vertically. This dynamic mechanism provides precise control over the carriage position and movement speed, improving reliability while managing complexity through well-defined mechanical relationships between components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carriage is fixed at a single position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different sizes of food items such as bread slices, waffles, and bagels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vertically movable carriage assembly that can be positioned at different heights within the toaster housing. The motor-driven crank mechanism enables the carriage to move between a lower toasting position and an upper retrieval position, accommodating various food item sizes while maintaining controlled operation through the positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable carriage assembly serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different food item sizes (bread slices, waffles, bagels), control the toasting process at optimal positions, and automatically retrieve toasted items. This multi-functionality is achieved through the vertically adjustable supporting rack and slider mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for toasting, then the control system is simple, but the ease of operation and precision control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized toaster operates automatically based on control signals received by the motor controller (125) from a control unit (160). The system self-regulates the carriage movement, heating element operation, and timing without requiring manual intervention during the toasting process, improving ease of operation while managing control system complexity through automated sequences.
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 motorized toaster provides precise control over the toasting process, accommodates various food item sizes, and includes an anti-jam feature that automatically cuts power to prevent damage and ensure easy food removal.
Implementation Method 1
a motor and a driving member having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end received in a slot in the second slider member such that when the motor is driven to rotate the driving member
Implementation Method 2
a heating element associated with the slot for toasting the food item
Data Source
AI summary
A toaster includes a housing having a slot for receiving a food item, a heating element associated with the slot for toasting the food item, a carriage assembly having a supporting rack movably mounted in the slot for supporting the food item within the slot, a first slider member connected to the supporting rack, and a second slider member operatively connected to the first slider member, a motor, and a driving member having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end received in a slot in the second slider member such that when the motor is driven to rotate the driving member, the driving member drives the supporting rack, via the first slider member and the second slider member, to slidably move within the slot.