Blender Jar Sensor Interlock for Safe Motor Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blenders lack a mechanism to ensure proper jar mounting, which can lead to operational hazards and motor damage due to overheating, and are not adaptable to regional power standards without significant modifications.

Innovation Solution

A blender design featuring a jar sensor that detects proper mounting and a motor temperature indicator, along with interchangeable cordsets to accommodate different regional power requirements, ensuring safe operation and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the blender operates without a jar mounted to the base, then the blender can run continuously, but components may be damaged or users may be injured due to exposed rotating parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcomponent safety and user safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a jar presence detection mechanism that checks whether the jar is properly mounted before allowing the motor to operate. The sensor detects the jar's position in advance, and only when properly detected does the system enable motor operation. This prevents the harmful condition of operating without a jar while maintaining continuous operation capability when the jar is present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If a jar presence indicator and motor temperature indicator are added to the blender, then user awareness of operational status improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser awareness of jar mounting status and motor temperatureVSAvoidnumber of sensors and indicators
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing visual indicators that provide real-time information to the user about the jar mounting status and motor temperature. The jar presence indicator shows whether the jar is properly mounted, and the motor temperature indicator displays the motor's thermal state. These feedback mechanisms inform users of operational conditions without requiring complex control systems, as they primarily serve as display elements rather than active control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If the blender is designed for a specific regional cordset standard, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to other regions requires significant modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicity for specific regionVSAvoidcompatibility with regional power standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the cordset into a removable, interchangeable component that can be detached and replaced independently from the main blender body. This allows the blender to be manufactured for a specific region with a standardized cordset, while users can swap cordsets to adapt to different regional power standards without modifying the entire appliance. The modular cordset design maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling global adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution prevents blender operation when the jar is not properly mounted, provides user feedback on motor temperature, and allows for easy adaptation to various regional power standards, enhancing safety and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The jar sensor is secured to the base and detects the presence of the actuator on the jar when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8042990B2Durability monitoring and improvement of a blender
Publication Date: 2011.10.25 HAMILTON BEACH BRANDS INC
  • US8042990B2 patent drawing
  • US8042990B2 patent drawing
  • US8042990B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and a jar sensor secured to the base. The base has an upper mounting surface and the motor is mounted beneath the upper mounting surface. The jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface. A jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the lower jar surface. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position.