Automated blender system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated blenders face challenges in securely placing the lid during blending and cleaning, leading to potential leakage and increased cleaning difficulty due to lid movement and drip issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated lid blender system with a controlled lid mechanism that uses a lid arm and drip guard to securely seal the blender receptacle, minimize lid movement, and manage cleaning water to prevent leaks and drips, featuring a pressure release vent and flexible water tube for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is securely placed on the blender receptacle during blending, then leakage is prevented, but the lid movement is minimized which complicates the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The lid arm is designed with flexible joints and movable connections that allow the lid to dynamically adjust its position and angle. This enables the lid to maintain a secure sealed position during blending while allowing easy access for cleaning by moving to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly is divided into separate components including the lid arm, lid body, and connection joints. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and cleaned, resolving the conflict between secure placement and cleaning accessibility.
2Reliability
If the lid is held in place during blending to prevent ingredient ejection, then blending reliability improves, but the automated operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid arm incorporates self-latching mechanisms and automatic positioning features that enable the lid to secure itself during blending without complex external control systems. The system uses spring-loaded arms and cam mechanisms that automatically engage when the lid approaches the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection joints and intermediate linkage elements are introduced between the lid arm and lid body to simplify the overall automation mechanism. These intermediaries provide smooth motion transmission and automatic alignment, reducing the complexity of direct actuation systems.
3Ease of operation
If cleaning water is provided during receptacle cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but drip movement increases causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The lid arm is positioned at an elevated angle relative to the receptacle during cleaning operations, directing cleaning water onto the receptacle surface from above. This angular positioning allows effective water application while preventing drips from escaping the receptacle boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates drip guards and overflow channels that are pre-positioned to intercept and redirect cleaning water before it can drip outside the receptacle. These features are built into the lid and receptacle design to proactively prevent drip-related leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a blender lid configured to cover an opening in a blender receptacle and a lid arm coupled to the blender lid and coupled rotationally about a first horizontal axis. The lid arm is configured to rotate about the first horizontal axis to selectively position the blender lid to cover and uncover the opening in the blender receptacle. The blender arm may rotate the blender lid about the first horizontal axis to cover the opening in the blender receptacle and apply a downward force on the blender lid to seal the opening of the blender receptacle with the blender lid. The blender arm may include a horizontal rod having a longitudinal axis that corresponds to the first horizontal axis and having a first end attached to the blender lid.