Attachable container for a food processor and method for operating a food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors with attachable containers lack the ability to automatically and sequentially introduce ingredients into the preparation vessel, limiting their application scope and handling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an attachable container with movable closure means that can be electromechanically activated to open and close, allowing ingredients to fall from the container into the preparation vessel at prescribed times, along with temperature control and wireless communication for synchronized cooking processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the attachable container has a floor-side opening for ingredient discharge, then ingredients can be added to the preparation vessel, but the container cannot seal ingredients for storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The floor of the attachable container is designed as a movable closure element that can transition between closed and open states. When closed, it seals the container for storage; when opened, it allows ingredient discharge into the preparation vessel, resolving the contradiction between sealability and discharge capability.
2Productivity
If the attachable container requires manual opening for ingredient addition, then the structure remains simple, but the handling efficiency and automation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachable container is equipped with an automated opening mechanism that can be triggered by the food processing system. The container opens itself at predetermined times without manual intervention, improving handling efficiency while the complexity is managed through integration with the food processor's control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical opening action is replaced by an automated drive mechanism that can be electromechanically activated. This substitution enables programmable cooking processes and sequential ingredient introduction, significantly improving productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If the floor-side opening has a large cross section for complete emptying, then all ingredients can be discharged, but ingredients near the edge may not fall through effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The floor of the attachable container is designed with a specific funnel shape featuring curved surfaces that guide ingredients toward the floor-side opening. This curvature ensures that even ingredients near the edge are directed into the opening and fall through effectively, achieving complete discharge while maintaining operational efficiency.
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
Enables automatic meal preparation by sequentially introducing ingredients at defined times, improving handling efficiency and allowing for pre-programmed cooking processes, including the storage of perishable foods for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
the closure means must be brought from the closed position into the open position, so that the ingredients, in particular exposed to gravity, can then fall through the floor-side opening
Implementation Method 2
The temperature control means can be cooling elements, which cool ingredients stored in the attachable container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an attachable container (3, 4, 5) for placement onto a preparation vessel (2) of a food processor (1), wherein a floor-side opening (12) of the attachable container (3, 4, 5) lies vertically above an upper opening (7) of the preparation vessel (2). Closure means (13) are provided, which close the floor-side opening (12) in a closed position and can be moved to an open position so as to fill ingredients (23, 24) stored in the attachable container (2) into the preparation vessel (3, 4, 5). A food processor having one or several of such attachable containers (3, 4, 5) enables an automatic preparation of a meal with readily perishable foods.