Baby food maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliances for making baby food and sterilizing baby bottles require separate devices for steaming and blending, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, while existing multi-function appliances do not effectively integrate steam generation for both purposes.
Innovation Solution
A combined apparatus with a base, removable steam chamber, heater, drive shaft, and electric motor that allows for both steaming and blending of food products, and includes a steam diverter plate for sterilizing bottles by surrounding them with steam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate appliances (steamer and blender) are used for making baby food, then each appliance can be optimized for its specific function, but it requires multiple devices and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a steamer and blender into a single integrated appliance. The steamer generates steam that is directed through a steam conduit into the blending container, while a motor-driven blade assembly performs blending. This merging eliminates the need for separate appliances while maintaining both steaming and blending functions in one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance is designed to perform multiple functions: steaming food, blending food into puree, and sterilizing baby bottles using the same steam generation system. The steam chamber can be configured for different purposes, and the blending container can be used for both food preparation and sterilization, making the device universally applicable for various baby care tasks.
2Device complexity
If a combined steamer and blender is used, then device complexity is reduced to a single appliance, but effective integration of steam generation for both steaming and sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is divided into distinct functional modules: a removable steam chamber for steam generation, a blending container with blade assembly for food processing, and a steam conduit system for steam distribution. The steam chamber can be removed and replaced with a sterilization container, allowing the same base unit to perform different functions through modular component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A steam conduit acts as an intermediary element that directs steam from the steam chamber to the blending container during food preparation. The same conduit system can be reconfigured or removed when performing sterilization, enabling flexible steam distribution for different functions without compromising the integration of the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If steam is generated within the appliance for steaming food, then the same appliance can potentially sterilize baby bottles, but existing designs do not provide effective steam coverage for sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance includes a removable steam chamber that can be replaced with a sterilization container, and a steam diverter plate that can be selectively positioned. During sterilization, the diverter plate is removed or repositioned to allow steam to flow freely around bottles placed in the container, ensuring complete steam coverage for effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam chamber and sterilization container are designed with specific local features: the steam chamber has a heater element positioned for optimal steam generation, while the sterilization container has apertures and open spaces designed to maximize steam circulation around bottles. The steam diverter plate can be positioned to direct steam flow to specific areas, ensuring uniform steam distribution for thorough sterilization.
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 efficient preparation of pureed foods and simultaneous sterilization of baby items using a single device, ensuring thorough steam coverage and safety features like a safety switch for operation.
Implementation Method 1
A heater to heat water in the removable steam chamber
Implementation Method 2
causing the steam chamber to produce steam, the steam entering the container through the steam inlet passage and steaming the food
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor is provided for rotating the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for steaming and blending food products, also usable for sterilizing baby bottles as needed. The apparatus includes a base including a removable steam chamber and a motor driven drive shaft. A container assembly including a blade assembly can be mounted to the base for steaming the food and for blending the food. The apparatus may further include a steam diverter plate for sterilizing articles such as baby bottles.