Automatic Bowl Lock for Micro-Puree Machine to Reduce User Effort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-puree machines require significant user effort and time to process and extrude ingredients, and are not practical for preparing non-dessert food products.
Innovation Solution
The micro-puree machine incorporates an automatic bowl lock mechanism that securely locks the processing bowl to the machine during processing and extrusion, utilizing a locking pin and spring mechanism to automate the locking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual locking mechanism is used for the bowl, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user effort and time required to complete the processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to automatically engage with the bowl's locking feature without requiring manual intervention. When the bowl is inserted into the micro-puree machine, the locking pin self-actuates through the interaction between the bowl's projection and the slot, thereby locking the bowl securely in place and reducing user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to be ready for engagement before the bowl is fully inserted. The spring mechanism stores potential energy that is automatically converted to kinetic energy to drive the locking pin into the locking position, performing the locking action in advance of any potential disengagement.
2Ease of operation
If the bowl is allowed to rotate freely for ingredient addition, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure locking during processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state during processing to a dynamic unlocked state during ingredient addition. The bowl can rotate freely when not locked, and the locking pin can move between engaged and disengaged positions, providing both accessibility and security as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin acts as an intermediary element between the bowl and the machine housing. It provides a controlled connection that allows the bowl to be securely locked during processing while permitting easy unlocking and rotation for ingredient addition, mediating between the two opposing requirements.
3Productivity
If an automatic locking mechanism is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent mechanism (the locking pin and spring assembly) from the main processing system. This modular approach allows the locking mechanism to operate automatically without interfering with the processing functions, improving productivity while keeping the added complexity isolated and manageable.
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
The automatic bowl lock significantly reduces user effort and time by ensuring secure and automatic locking of the bowl, allowing for efficient processing and extrusion of ingredients, and enabling the machine to handle a wider range of food products beyond desserts.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is disposed between a portion of the support member and the locking pin. The spring is configured to bias the locking pin in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-puree machine has an automatic bowl lock for locking to a bowl having at least one projection on an outer surface of the bowl. The bowl is rotatable relative to the micro-puree machine to rotate the at least one projection into and out of at least one slot on the micro-puree machine. The automatic bowl lock includes a locking pin moveable between a first position, in which the locking pin does not prevent the at least one projection from rotating out of the at least one slot, to a second position, in which the locking pin prevents the at least one projection from rotating out of the at least one slot, thereby locking the bowl to the micro-puree machine.