Automatic Toaster Using Gears and Levers

Can you use Gears and Levers to simulate a working Toaster with Lego?

This entry is about solving this Lego engineering challenge.

First task was to create a working prototype.
Next, pack all the Gears and Levers into a smaller space, using less pieces.
Finally, a lot of reliability testing of the prototype, in particular the slow release mechanism.

The end result is a fun Lego Toaster that does everything except make toast!
Place the Lego bread in the Toaster, press the handle down till you hear the click and wait about 5-6 seconds for it to pop back up.

So how does it work?
  • Levers were used to mirror the vertical movement of the handle on a real toaster.
  • The Levers turn the larger gear, transmitting power to the smaller gear.
  • The small gear rotates by a larger amount, allowing the bread to drop further into the toaster.
  • Elastic force from a Lego elastic band in combination with a Technic flexible rubber part control the locking and slow release.

A total of 248 bricks were used.
#toaster
#kitchen
#automatic
#bread
#lever
#gears
Image attached to challenge
Winners announced
Ready, Set, Go STEM!

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