Blending system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional blending systems face inefficiencies due to the formation of a vortex during blending, which increases processing time and reduces the effectiveness of blending, especially when dealing with high concentrations of frozen ingredients or small particles, as these ingredients are pushed away from the blades and require additional tools for manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed blending system includes a blender container with flutes that protrude from the inner wall and a flow directing member with arms that interact with the flutes to prevent movement, allowing blades to be positioned closer to the container walls, disrupting the vortex and forcing ingredients back into the blades for more efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blades are positioned in the center of the container, then blending coverage is improved, but ingredients are pushed away from the blades forming a vortex, reducing blending efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is given different properties at different locations through the addition of flutes. These flutes create localized turbulence and disruption in the vortex flow pattern, forcing ingredients back toward the blade path. This local modification of the container wall structure addresses the specific problem of ingredient ejection without changing the central blade positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The flutes act as an intermediary element between the blade assembly and the container wall. They mediate the interaction by creating controlled turbulence and preventing the formation of a smooth vortex, thereby keeping ingredients in the blending path without requiring blade repositioning
2Quantity of substance
If container working volume is increased, then capacity is improved, but blending time increases due to larger blending area
Solution Approach 1:
The flutes are strategically positioned along the container wall to create localized flow disruption zones. This allows the container to maintain its full working volume while specific regions of the wall actively participate in preventing vortex formation and keeping ingredients engaged with the blades throughout the blending process
3Productivity
If blades are positioned closer to container walls, then ingredient focus is improved, but blade length must be reduced, potentially reducing blending power
Solution Approach 1:
The flutes compensate for the reduced blade length by creating localized turbulence and flow disruption at the container wall. This ensures that even with shorter blades positioned closer to the wall, ingredients are continuously forced back into the blending path, maintaining effective ingredient focus without requiring long blade reach
Data Source
AI summary
A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade assembly selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor drives the blade assembly, and a container having a cavity. The container includes a flute protruding from an inner surface. An exaggerated flute may extend closer to the blade assembly than the flute.