Tortilla toaster

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for warming tortillas, such as using a skillet or microwave, are inefficient and do not achieve the desired consistency or safety, as they either require excessive time or result in tortillas becoming too moist.

Innovation Solution

An improved tortilla toaster that can heat six standard six-inch tortillas in about 90 seconds, featuring a drum-shaped heating area with Nichrome wires wrapped around mica boards, and a mechanism to deliver warm tortillas onto a plate without risking burns or electrocution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a skillet is used to warm tortillas, then the tortilla surface is toasted and acquires a skin, but the process requires at least one minute per side and can only warm four tortillas at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of tortillas warmed per unit timeVSAvoidtime required per tortilla

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple heating surfaces into a single device that can accommodate up to six tortillas simultaneously. The heating element is designed with multiple contact points that allow simultaneous toasting of multiple tortillas, thereby increasing productivity without requiring multiple separate skillets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a rotating or movable heating mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of heating surfaces. This enables the device to efficiently heat multiple tortillas by bringing different heating zones into contact with tortillas in sequence or simultaneously, reducing the overall time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If a microwave oven is used to warm tortillas, then the tortilla is warmed quickly, but the tortilla becomes too moist and does not achieve the desired consistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarming timeVSAvoidtortilla consistency and texture

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic radiation method (microwave) with direct thermal contact heating. By using heated surfaces that directly touch the tortilla, the device achieves rapid heating while maintaining the desired crispy texture and consistency, avoiding the moisture problem associated with microwave heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the temperature and contact pressure parameters of the heating surfaces to optimize the heating process. By adjusting these parameters, the device achieves rapid heating that preserves the tortilla's structural integrity and desired consistency, preventing excessive moisture while ensuring thorough warming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If Nichrome wires are used for heating, then efficient heat generation is achieved, but exposed electric wires create shock or electrocution risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidshock or electrocution risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer or enclosure that separates the Nichrome heating wires from direct contact with users. This intermediary structure allows the heating element to function efficiently while preventing exposure of electric wires, thereby eliminating shock or electrocution risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a protective shell or film covering that encloses the heating elements. This thin protective layer maintains the heating efficiency of the Nichrome wires while providing electrical insulation, preventing users from contacting exposed wires and eliminating electrocution hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The improved tortilla toaster efficiently heats multiple tortillas simultaneously, achieving even toasting and warming without the risks of burns or electrocution, while ensuring the tortillas retain their desired consistency.

Implementation Method 1

heat is provided by Nichrome wires wrapped around a mica board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Nichrome wires wrapped around a mica board and that mica board is sandwiched between two other mica boards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12324539B2Tortilla toaster

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 NUNI TOASTER INC

AI summary

An improved tortilla toaster that batch heats on two sides simultaneously up to six tortillas where each tortilla is held an optimal distance away from heating source and the oven is unloaded by barrel-rolling the oven assembly so as to avail of gravity and tortilla shape to unload the oven.