A multi-function food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors require frequent and costly replacement of cutting accessories, which is complex and potentially unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function food processor with a spiralizer feature, featuring a cutter disk with a centrally located core cutter and adjustable feeding tube, allowing for the production of continuous spiral ribbons and strips using fine and coarse shredding cutters, and a gear system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting accessories are used to achieve different cutting functions, then the versatility of the food processor is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase due to frequent accessory replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cutter disk design that can perform multiple cutting functions (slicing, shredding, chopping, spiralizing) by incorporating different blade types on a single disk. The cutter disk includes a top face with slicing blades, a bottom face with shredding blades, and a side surface with spiralizing blades, allowing one accessory to replace multiple specialized accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an adjustable feeding tube that can be positioned at different radial distances from the central spindle. By adjusting the feeding tube position, the same cutter disk can produce different cutting results (e.g., thin slices vs. thick slices, or engage different blade surfaces), providing dynamic versatility without requiring multiple static accessories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting accessories are used to achieve different cutting functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to frequent accessory replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-functional cutter disk consolidates multiple cutting capabilities into a single accessory, eliminating the need to replace accessories when switching between slicing, shredding, chopping, or spiralizing functions. Users can achieve different cutting types by adjusting the feeding tube position or selecting different blade surfaces on the same disk.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter disk is pre-configured with multiple blade types on different surfaces (top, bottom, side) and the feeding tube is pre-designed to be adjustable. This preliminary preparation of multiple functions in one accessory means users don't need to stop and replace accessories when changing cutting functions, saving time during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting accessories are used to achieve different cutting functions, then the versatility is improved, but the cost increases due to purchasing multiple accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single cutter disk that replaces multiple specialized accessories. The disk includes slicing blades on the top face, shredding blades on the bottom face, and spiralizing blades on the side surface, allowing one accessory to perform functions that would traditionally require separate accessories for each cutting type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple cutting functions into a single integrated cutter disk accessory. Different blade types are combined on one disk, and the adjustable feeding tube merges positioning flexibility with the cutting mechanism, reducing the total number of accessories needed from multiple specialized items to one multi-functional item.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting accessories are used to achieve different cutting functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter disk is designed as a universal accessory that handles slicing, shredding, chopping, and spiralizing functions. The adjustable feeding tube allows users to switch between cutting types by simple position adjustment rather than accessory replacement, making the operation easier and more intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to self-adjust the feeding tube position to achieve different cutting functions without requiring accessory replacement. The adjustable mechanism enables users to service their own needs by simply moving the feeding tube to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for complex accessory swapping operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-function food processor suitable for cutting food such as fruits or vegetables into continuous ribbons or strips. The multi-function food processor, comprising: a body base (1), a body shell (3) and an upper cover (4), all configured to removably receive a bowl (2), and wherein the upper cover (4) has an upper cover base (41), a feeding tube (42) and a pusher (43) to urge food via the feeding tube (42) into the received bowl (4); a drive unit (5) provided inside the body shell (3); a cutter disk (6) provided between the drive unit (5) and the upper cover (4); wherein said cutter disk comprises a disk (61) with a centrally located core cutter (62) extending therefrom and a slot (63) extending from an outer edge of the disk to the core cutter that is provided with shredding means (64), and wherein the core cutter (62) extends beyond the shredding means (64); and wherein the feeding tube (42) is adjustable between a central position, where the feeding tube (42) is co-axial with the core cutter (62), and an eccentric position, where the feeding tube (42) is offset from the core cutter (62). The invention includes double-faced cutter which can cut different sizes of strips, continuous spiral ribbon, etc.