Rolling information display apparatus including a temperature monitor and indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling information display devices for roller grills are complex, require disassembly for information changes, and lack temperature monitoring and indicators, leading to confusion and potential food safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A tubular-shaped rolling information display apparatus with a calibrated cook timer, temperature monitor, and removable information medium, featuring a waterproof design and LED indicators for temperature and hold time alerts, allowing for easy information updates without disassembly and ensuring food safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a clear cylinder or glass case is used to display information on the roller grill, then the information is visible to customers, but the device requires constant cleaning to remove cooking greases and oils, and food or debris contaminates the device more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable adhesive labels that are applied directly to the roller grill surface. These labels are inexpensive, single-use items that eliminate the need for cleaning and maintenance of display devices. When the cooking season or product changes, the labels are simply removed and replaced without any cleaning required, thus resolving the contradiction between information visibility and cleaning maintenance.
2Reliability
If a larger contact area device is placed on the roller grill, then the device is more stable, but food or cooking oils contaminate the device more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive labels are applied directly to the roller grill surface with minimal contact area. Since they are disposable, they can be easily removed and replaced without concern for contamination. This eliminates the trade-off between stability and contamination risk, as the labels are not permanently attached and can be discarded after use.
3Reliability
If a temperature monitor and indicator system is added to the rolling information display, then food safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature monitoring and timing functions with the information display by integrating these features into the same rolling apparatus. The temperature monitor and indicator are merged with the information medium, allowing food safety monitoring to be performed without adding separate, complex devices. This integration resolves the contradiction by achieving food safety improvement while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling information display apparatus configured to rotate on the rolling surfaces of a roller grill is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular shaped body configured to roll in contact with the rolling surfaces of a roller grill. The apparatus further includes a calibrated cook timer, a temperature monitor, a temperature indicator, and an information medium removably positioned on the tubular shaped body. The calibrated cook timer includes a printed circuit board that is calibrated to rise in temperature in a similar manner to a food item that is cooked on said roller grill. The apparatus is used to display product information, to monitor the temperature of food items in close proximity to the apparatus, and to indicate when the food item is no longer suitable for consumption and sale.