Toaster with electronic sensor system for the position of the toaster trolley
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toasters with mechanical detection mechanisms for the bread carriage position are complex, expensive, and prone to mechanical failures, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A toaster design that uses a ferromagnetic part on the bread carriage and an electromagnet, with a control unit determining the carriage position by measuring current intensity through the electromagnet's winding, eliminating the need for physical detection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical detection mechanism (limit switch with contactor and moving part) is used to detect the bread carriage position, then the position detection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and mechanical failures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection system (limit switch, contactor, moving parts) with an electronic sensing system that measures the electrical position of the bread carriage. The sensor detects the position by measuring electrical parameters rather than mechanical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical detection components and their associated moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary mechanical detection components (contactor, moving part, sufficient space for interaction) from the system. By taking out these redundant mechanical elements, the design achieves simpler structure while maintaining reliable position detection through electronic means alone.
2Loss of information
If a mechanical detection mechanism with contactor and moving part is used, then position detection is possible, but the space required for components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic sensing system replaces the space-consuming mechanical detection mechanism. The sensor can be integrated into the existing electromagnetic device structure, requiring minimal additional space while providing accurate position detection through electrical measurements rather than mechanical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position detection function with the existing electromagnetic device by integrating a sensor into the structure. This combination allows the detection function to be achieved without adding separate mechanical detection components that would require additional space for installation and operation.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a mechanical detection system with moving parts is used, then the bread carriage position can be detected, but the device becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical detection components (limit switch, contactor, precision moving parts) with a more cost-effective electronic sensor. The electronic sensing system achieves the same position detection capability while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for multiple mechanical components and their associated assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the expensive mechanical detection components (contactor, moving part, limit switch), the patent reduces the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. The electronic sensor provides equivalent or superior detection capability at lower cost, eliminating the need for costly mechanical detection subsystems.
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
Simplifies the toaster structure, reduces component space, and ensures safe operation by preventing mechanical failures and malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic device for holding the bread carriage in the toasting position, the electromagnetic device comprising a ferromagnetic part and an electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
a measuring element for data relating to the current intensity passing through a winding of the electromagnet, and the control unit is adapted to determine the position of the bread-carrying carriage as a function of the current intensity data measured by the measuring element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This toaster (1) comprises: - a bread-carrying carriage (6) movable between an ejection position and a toasting position, and adapted, during its movement between the ejection and toasting positions, to drive a ferromagnetic part (26) between a position far from and a position close to an electromagnet (28), and - a power switch for the electromagnet adapted to be controlled by a control unit (42) between an open and a closed state of power supply to the electromagnet (28). According to the invention, the toaster (1) includes a measuring device for data relating to the intensity of the current flowing through a winding (30) of the electromagnet (28), and the control unit (42) is adapted to determine the position of the bread-carrying carriage (6) as a function of the measured current intensity data.