Blender assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blender assemblies lack an efficient and integrated system for heating and blending food or liquid, with existing technologies not effectively addressing the need for selective coupling and efficient heat transfer between the jar and heating element.

Innovation Solution

A blender assembly with a heater assembly that is selectively coupled to a jar assembly, featuring a heating element and a heat transfer element that contacts the heating element when coupled, allowing for efficient heat transfer and blending operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the heater assembly is integrated with the jar assembly, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but cleaning accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The heater assembly is designed as a separate, detachable component from the jar assembly, allowing the jar to be removed for cleaning while the heater remains in the base. This segmentation enables independent access to cleaning surfaces without compromising the integrated heating function when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the heating element is permanently fixed to the base, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidselective coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heater assembly incorporates a biasing feature that enables dynamic adjustment between attached and detached states. The biasing feature maintains structural stability when attached while allowing easy detachment for cleaning or replacement, providing both stability and adaptability through controlled mechanical states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the heat transfer element is in constant contact with the heating element, then heating efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiddisassembly for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The jar assembly with its heat transfer element can be completely extracted from the heater assembly, separating the heating function from the container. This extraction allows the jar to be removed for cleaning while maintaining efficient heat transfer when assembled, resolving the conflict between continuous contact and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 heating and blending operations by ensuring consistent contact between the heating element and the jar, facilitating effective thermal energy transfer and user-friendly disassembly for cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

The heat transfer element contacts the heating element when the jar assembly is coupled to the heater assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4162849B1Blender assembly
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • EP4162849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4162849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4162849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A blender assembly (10) includes a base (14), a heater assembly (26), and a jar assembly (24). The heater assembly (26) is selectively coupled to the base (14) and has a heating element (40). The jar assembly (24) is selectively coupled to the heater assembly (26) and has a jar (42) and a heat transfer element (62) coupled to the jar (42). The heat transfer element (62) contacts the heating element (40) when the jar assembly (24) is coupled to the heater assembly (26).