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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toasters fail to produce uniformly toasted bread due to inconsistent browning across multiple toasting cycles, as they only briefly consider temperature and rely on fixed temperature set points, leading to over- or under-toasted results.
Innovation Solution
A toaster with a temperature sensor and control unit that adjusts the toasting cycle length based on measured temperature using the formula Δt = (T1 - a) / b, where T1 is the measured temperature and a and b are configuration-dependent constants, ensuring more uniform toasting across cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed temperature set points are used for toasting control, then the control system is simple, but the toasting consistency across multiple cycles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the actual toaster temperature and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the toasting cycle timing based on the measured temperature deviations from the set point, ensuring consistent toasting results across multiple cycles while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the toasting cycle timing parameter based on the measured temperature. Instead of using a fixed timing for all toasting cycles, the system calculates adjusted timing values based on actual temperature measurements, allowing the same control hardware to achieve precise and consistent toasting results without increasing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If toasting time is reduced for higher temperatures, then the first slice toasts darker, but subsequent slices become inconsistent (too dark or too light)
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from the temperature sensor to determine the actual toasting conditions for each cycle. Based on the measured temperature and the specific browning setting selected by the user, the control unit calculates the appropriate timing adjustment, ensuring that each slice achieves the desired browning level regardless of temperature variations between cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed timing system into a dynamic system where the toasting cycle length is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to compensate for temperature fluctuations and maintain consistent browning across multiple toasting cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixed set points are programmed, then temperature compensation is possible, but memory usage increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing multiple fixed temperature compensation values in memory, the patent uses a formula-based approach where the timing adjustment is calculated dynamically using the measured temperature and predefined coefficients. This method achieves temperature compensation with minimal memory requirements, as only the formula parameters need to be stored rather than extensive lookup tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the memory-intensive lookup table approach with a mathematical calculation system. By substituting the mechanical/memory-based storage of multiple set points with a computational formula, the system achieves the same temperature compensation function with significantly reduced memory requirements and lower overall system complexity.
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 provides consistent browning across multiple toasting cycles by dynamically adjusting the toasting time based on temperature, improving toast quality and allowing for lower-cost processor usage with standard thermistors.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor is adapted to measure the temperature in the PCB cavity
Implementation Method 2
heating elements in a toasting cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A toaster is provided with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the toaster cavity and a timer adapted to vary the length of the toasting cycle. The toaster is provided with a control unit adapted to take the measurement of the temperature in the cavity after or upon actuation of the toaster. The control unit calculates a duration for the toasting cycle based at least in part on the measured temperature.