Asymmetric Heating Layout in Culinary Containers for Small-Batch Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food preparation appliances with heating resistors around the rotary tool require large containers, leading to inefficient mixing of small quantities and high power consumption due to the need for a powerful motor to manage heat generated by friction at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A household appliance design where the heating element extends laterally only on one side of the rotary tool, allowing it to be thermally distant without increasing the container's diameter, with the heating element in thermal contact with the bottom and the rotary tool offset, enabling efficient mixing in a low-volume container using a low-power motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heating resistor is arranged around the rotary tool, then the heating function is achieved, but the container diameter must be large which increases the mixing hearth volume and requires a powerful motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidcontainer diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is positioned asymmetrically on only one side of the rotary tool rather than surrounding it completely. This asymmetric arrangement allows the heating function to be maintained while significantly reducing the required container diameter, as the heating element extends laterally only on one side without encircling the central rotating tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element is arranged in a different spatial dimension relative to the rotary tool - positioned laterally on one side rather than concentrically around it. This dimensional repositioning allows both the heating element and rotary tool to coexist in the same container without requiring a large diameter, as they occupy different radial zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If the container diameter is large to accommodate the heating resistor around the tool, then heating is effective, but the mixing hearth volume increases which is inefficient for small quantities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidmixing hearth volume

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric positioning of the heating element on one side only allows the mixing hearth volume to be minimized while maintaining effective heating. The heating element is arranged outside the working container volume, concentrated on an inclined plane, which enables efficient heating of small quantities without requiring a large mixing area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Temperature

If the heating element is positioned close to the rotary tool for efficient heating, then heating performance is good, but heat radiation may overheat the tool shaft bearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating performanceVSAvoidheat radiation to tool shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is extracted from the interior of the working container and positioned outside it, on an inclined plane formed by the bottom structure. This extraction removes the source of harmful heat radiation from proximity to the rotary tool and its bearing, while the heating function is maintained through thermal contact with the bottom structure that conducts heat to the contents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom structure of the working container acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the contents. The heating element contacts the bottom structure thermally, which then conducts the heat to the food or liquid contents, rather than allowing direct radiant heat transfer to the rotary tool. This intermediary approach maintains heating performance while protecting the tool shaft from overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design allows for efficient mixing of small quantities with reduced power consumption and easy assembly, as the heating element is concentrated on an inclined plane outside the main mixing area, minimizing heat radiation and overheating risks.

Implementation Method 1

the heating element is in thermal contact with the bottom of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2429359B1Household culinary appliance comprising a working container in thermal contact with a heating element

Publication Date: 2014.04.02 SEB SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a household culinary appliance comprising a housing (1) containing a motor (5) and a working container (2) having a bottom (22) bearing a rotating tool (6) rotatably driven by said motor (5), the working container being in thermal contact with a heating element (7) for heating the contents of the working container (2). The invention is characterised in that the heating element (7) extends laterally only on one side of the rotating tool (6).