Blender Attachment Interlock Using Vertical Force for Motor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems require manual rotation and continuous external force to operate the motor, which can be inconvenient and inefficient during attachment coupling and decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A food processing system base with a motor activation assembly that allows motor operation via vertical force applied during attachment coupling, eliminating the need for manual rotation and continuous external force, featuring a detent mechanism for secure attachment and a drive coupler with angled teeth for intermeshing engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation is required to operate the motor, then the motor can be controlled, but the operation becomes inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs motor activation automatically through the coupling process itself. When the attachment is coupled to the base, the drive coupler and driven coupler engage, and the motor is automatically activated without requiring manual rotation or additional user actions. The coupling action serves dual purposes: mechanical connection and motor activation.
2Productivity
If continuous external force is applied to operate the motor, then the motor remains operational, but the system becomes inefficient and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The motor activation is performed preliminarily during the coupling process. The actuating rod is positioned and configured so that when the drive coupler and driven coupler engage, the motor is automatically activated in advance of any blending operation. This eliminates the need for continuous external force during operation.
3Reliability
If a detent mechanism is added for secure attachment, then the attachment stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is merged with the existing coupling structure. The detent and detent spring are integrated into the attachment mounting area, working in conjunction with the drive coupler and driven coupler. This combination provides secure attachment without requiring a completely separate locking mechanism, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 easy and secure attachment of the processing tool, automatic motor activation upon correct coupling, and efficient operation without requiring continuous external force, enhancing user convenience and system stability.
Implementation Method 1
The base includes an attachment mounting area disposed with the base to selectively receive the attachment. The attachment mounting area includes a drive coupler for applying a pull down force to the attachment.
Implementation Method 2
comprising a detent positioned in said attachment mounting area, wherein said detent is biased into engagement with the attachment to restrict movement of the attachment relative to said base
Implementation Method 3
A motor is disposed with the base. A motor activation assembly is associated with said attachment mounting area and said motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A base of a food processing system (20) includes at least one attachment (30) selectively receivable by a base (22). The base (22) includes an attachment mounting area (42) disposed with the base (22) to selectively receive the attachment (30). The attachment mounting area (42) includes a drive coupler (26) for applying a pull down force to the attachment (30). A motor is disposed with the base (22). A motor activation assembly (70) is associated with the attachment mounting area (42) and the motor. The motor is rendered operable via a vertical force applied to the motor activation assembly (70) when the attachment mounting area (42) receives the attachment (30).