Timer transfer system and method for food holding devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hot food holding cabinets require complex and time-consuming processes for transferring timers between pans or cabinets, involving multiple button presses and interactions with both sending and receiving units, which hampers efficiency in managing food quality and service speed.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected hot food holding cabinet system utilizing a touchscreen interface that allows for a 'two-point touch' method to transfer timers, eliminating the need for separate transfer buttons and simplifying the process by designating a selected timer for transfer with a single intuitive action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive automatic sensing methods are used to detect pan locations and transfer timers, then timer transfer accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to manually initiate timer transfers using simple button presses on the user interface, eliminating the need for expensive automatic sensing hardware. The timer transfer function serves itself through operator input rather than requiring complex automated detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive automatic sensing mechanisms with a simplified electronic user interface that responds to manual button presses. This substitution maintains timer transfer accuracy while dramatically reducing system cost and complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple button press methods are used for timer transfer, then system cost is reduced, but operation complexity increases requiring multiple button presses
Solution Approach 1:
The timer transfer process is segmented into distinct selectable timer options on the user interface. Each timer can be individually selected and transferred, allowing operators to efficiently manage multiple timers without confusion or excessive button presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface serves multiple functions: displaying timer status, selecting timers for transfer, and executing transfers. This multi-functional design consolidates operations that would otherwise require separate controls, reducing overall operation complexity.
3Reliability
If complex transfer processes involving both sending and receiving units are used, then timer transfer reliability is improved, but service speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads timer information and maintains a network connection between cabinets, so when a transfer is initiated, the receiving cabinet is already prepared to accept the timer. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays during the actual transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A network communication system acts as an intermediary between sending and receiving cabinets, coordinating timer transfers efficiently. This intermediary layer ensures reliable transfer while maintaining fast operation speeds by managing the communication protocol and data exchange.
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 streamlines the timer transfer process, making it faster and more intuitive, enabling efficient management of food quality and service speed by reducing the complexity of interactions and enhancing operational efficiency within the commercial foodservice industry.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control device in thermal communication with the tray
Data Source
AI summary
A system for storing food products at predetermined temperatures includes a food product receiving holding cabinet, a first storage bin in the holding cabinet for receiving a tray, a temperature control device that is in thermal communication with the tray, and a controller that transfers a selected timer by touching a user interface of the holding cabinet, thereby designating the selected timer for transfer to be associated with the first storage bin.