Blender Container Geometry and Spout Sealing for Quieter Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional blender containers are inefficient in blending due to their round or square shapes, lead to noise from the blender, and have issues with material discharge through the pouring spout, with the spout often being inadequately closed during blending.
Innovation Solution
A blender container with an arcuate wall and intersecting straight walls positioned to align the axis of rotation closer to the arcuate wall, a noise-baffling skirt with fingers, and a pouring spout located approximately 20-30% from the top, along with a cover that completely seals the spout using a plug assembly and lock flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional round or square container configurations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but blending efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs an asymmetric configuration with one arcuate wall and three straight walls, creating an irregular polygonal cross-section. This asymmetric shape optimizes blending efficiency by positioning the rotation axis closer to the arcuate wall, enhancing material circulation patterns while maintaining manufacturability through simple geometric forms.
2Productivity
If the pouring spout is positioned at the top rim, then discharge is accessible, but material congesion occurs and discharge is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pouring spout is repositioned from the traditional top rim location to a lower position on the container wall, approximately 20-30% of the height from the top. This dimensional repositioning allows material to discharge at an optimal point in the blending cycle, reducing congregation and improving discharge efficiency while maintaining accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the spout is left open during blending, then pouring is accessible, but noise from the blade increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container cover is designed with dual functionality: it seals the container opening during blending operations to reduce noise from the rotating blade, and simultaneously provides access to the pouring spout when needed. This multi-functional design allows the same component to serve both noise reduction and pouring accessibility requirements.
4Reliability
If the cover only seals the container opening, then structure is simple, but the spout remains open and material can be misdirected
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is segmented to include separate functional elements: a main body that seals the container opening and an integrated spout closure mechanism. This segmentation allows the cover to independently perform both the container sealing function and the spout sealing function, ensuring reliable spout closure without requiring a completely redesigned cover structure.
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
Enhances blending efficiency, reduces noise by directing sound waves sinuously, and ensures efficient material discharge by positioning the spout for optimal flow and sealing the spout during blending.
Implementation Method 1
Fingers extend from the skirt into the opening and are spaced from each other to baffle the noise of the blender
Data Source
AI summary
A container (11) for a blender includes a base surface (13) and a blade (20) which is rotatable on an axis above the base surface (13). An arcuate wall (14) and two generally straight walls (15, 16) extend upwardly from the base surface (13) and terminate at the upper end of container (11). The axis of rotation of the blade (20) is closer to the arcuate wall (14) than it is to the generally straight walls (15, 16). A skirt (25) extends downwardly from the base surface (13) and has an opening. Sound baffling fingers (32) extend from the skirt (25) and into the opening. A spout (40) is formed at the intersection of two of the walls (14, 15, 16), the spout (40) having an entry point located approximately twenty to thirty percent of the height of the walls (14, 15, 16) from the upper end of the container (11). A handle (34) is positioned opposite to the spout (40) and a cover (12) includes a plug (55) to close the spout (40).