Integrated blender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blenders require tedious and error-prone manual ingredient measurement, and existing solutions with built-in scales necessitate complex and costly safety measures, deterring user engagement.
Innovation Solution
A blender with a weight sensor and wireless communication unit that determines ingredient weights by subtracting the blender's known weight from the gross weight, allowing integration with external devices for guided food preparation without galvanic separation from the main power supply, and utilizing a user interface and optical elements for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a built-in scale is placed between the receptacle and base unit, then ingredient weight measurement is enabled, but galvanic separation and safety extra low voltage power supply are required
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is extracted from the blender base and relocated to an external device (smartphone, tablet, or computer). The blender only needs to communicate weight data wirelessly, eliminating the need for built-in galvanically separated power supplies and complex safety circuits while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi module) is introduced between the blender and the weighing function. The blender's motor unit acts as a mediator that transmits operational data to an external device that performs the weighing calculation, avoiding direct electrical contact and galvanic separation requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual measurement with separate scale or volumeter is used, then no galvanic separation is needed, but the procedure is tedious and error prone
Solution Approach 1:
The blender system provides self-service by automatically tracking and communicating ingredient weights through its motor unit's data transmission capability. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for separate manual measurement tools, as the motor unit inherently provides the data needed for weight calculation without requiring user intervention with separate scales.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where the blender's motor unit continuously transmits operational data to an external device, which then provides real-time feedback on ingredient weights. This automated feedback mechanism replaces tedious manual measurement and eliminates human error in reading and recording weights.
3Device complexity
If force measuring elements are integrated into equipment feet, then weight determination is simplified, but the blender structure must support force transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment feet are given dual functionality: they serve both as mechanical support structures and as force measuring elements. By integrating strain gauges or force sensors directly into the feet, the same structural components that support the blender's weight also perform the weighing function, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support function and the measurement function are merged into a single integrated structure. The equipment feet combine structural load-bearing capability with force sensing capability, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the weight determination system while maintaining structural integrity.
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 precise and effortless ingredient measurement, reducing production costs and complexity while enhancing user interaction and safety, facilitating guided food preparation through external devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each force measuring element may comprise a strain gauge adhered to a beam that is deformable in response to a force between the blender and the surface. The strain gauge is adapted to change its electrical resistance in accordance with a deformation of the beam.
Data Source
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AI summary
A blender for food preparation comprises a receptacle for holding an ingredient within; an electric motor, mechanically acting on a processing tool with blades within the receptacle; a unit base with a weight sensor for determining a gross weight of the blender; and a wireless communication unit for transmitting the determined weight to an external device.