Toaster and method for controlling said toaster

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toasters often fail to achieve optimal toasting results for foods like toast, as short programs result in underheated interiors while longer programs lead to burnt outer surfaces due to insufficient heat penetration.

Innovation Solution

A toaster with a control unit that executes a main heating program comprising a succession of activations and deactivations of the heating element, allowing heat to penetrate deeper into food while preventing excessive surface burning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a long heating program is used, then the inside heating is sufficient, but the outer surface burns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinner layer temperatureVSAvoidsurface burning

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element operates in periodic cycles with multiple activation phases separated by deactivation phases. During activation phases, the heating element heats the toast; during deactivation phases, heat penetrates deeper into the inner layers. This periodic operation pattern allows both outer surface browning and inner layer heating to be achieved effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If continuous heating is applied, then the heating efficiency is high, but the heat penetration depth is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidheat penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element operates in periodic cycles with multiple activation phases separated by deactivation phases. During activation phases, the heating element heats the toast; during deactivation phases, heat penetrates deeper into the inner layers. This periodic operation pattern allows both outer surface browning and inner layer heating to be achieved effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures that both the outer surfaces and innermost layers of the food are optimally heated, reducing the risk of burning and improving the overall quality of toasted products.

Implementation Method 1

Heating elements are also associated with the heating compartments, typically consisting of electric resistors that, when run by electric current, transfer heat to the foods inserted in the heating compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Heating elements are also associated with the heating compartments, typically consisting of electric resistors that, when run by electric current, transfer heat to the foods inserted in the heating compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10548433B2Toaster and method for controlling said toaster

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 WHIRLPOOL EMEA SPA

AI summary

A toaster includes a first heating compartment, a first heating element associated with the first heating compartment, and a control unit in communication with the first heating element for executing an activation of the heating element by providing a current thereto and a deactivation of the heating element by disconnecting the current therefrom, the control unit further executing a main heating program comprising a succession of activations, separated by respective deactivations.