Programmable Blender Lid and Coupling Design for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized blenders face issues with lid sealing, vibration, and cleaning of user interfaces, particularly with high-powered models causing lid disruption, cap rattling, and debris accumulation around controls.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a processor module for recording and playback of custom sequences, a torsionally resilient coupling between the motor and base, a magnetic attraction for securing the rotating knob, and a sealing arrangement using a combination of hard and soft polymers for the lid and cap, enhancing sealing and reducing vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-powered motor is used for blending, then blending power is improved, but lid seal disruption and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a vibration dampening mechanism that is pre-installed in the blender assembly. This mechanism includes elastic elements positioned between the motor housing and the base, which are designed to absorb and dissipate vibrations before they can propagate to the lid and compromise the seal. The cushioning elements are pre-configured to engage when vibration thresholds are exceeded, preventing lid disruption proactively.
2Strength
If hard polymer is used for transparent lid portion, then transparency and durability are improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a composite lid structure where different regions of the lid are made from different materials with optimized properties. The main body of the lid is constructed from hard, transparent polymer to provide durability and visibility, while the sealing rim or gasket portion is made from soft, elastomeric material to ensure effective sealing. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining hard transparent polymer and soft elastomeric material in a single integrated lid assembly. The hard polymer provides structural integrity and transparency, while the soft elastomeric component provides sealing compliance. These materials are bonded together through co-molding or adhesive bonding to create a unified structure that exhibits both hardness and sealing softness in different zones.
3Strength
If hard polymer cap is used on lid, then cap durability is improved, but vibration and noise from motor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a soft polymer layer or damping element between the hard polymer cap and the lid body. This intermediary layer acts as a vibration isolation interface that decouples the rigid cap from the vibrating lid structure. The soft material absorbs high-frequency vibrations and prevents them from being transmitted to the cap, thereby reducing noise and vibration while preserving the cap's durability.
4Productivity
If rigid mechanical coupling is used between motor and base, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but vibration and misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by replacing the rigid mechanical coupling with a flexible transmission element. This flexible coupling comprises a elastomeric or polymer membrane that transmits rotational power from the motor to the blending mechanism while accommodating misalignment and absorbing vibrations. The flexible material maintains sufficient torque transmission efficiency while eliminating the harmful rigid connections that amplify vibration and sensitivity to misalignment.
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 provides a secure and easy-to-clean blender with reduced vibration, improved sealing, and programmable functionality for precise control of blending operations, allowing for pause and resume features during recipes.
Implementation Method 1
vibration and misalignment can be minimised by providing a torsionally resilient coupling between the motor and the base's coupling
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic attraction for securing the rotating knob
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized kitchen apparatus including a processor module coupled to a non-volatile storage medium for storing a custom sequence; a user interface having a speed or power selection element and a record selector; a motor controller coupled to a blender motor, the processor module coupled to the motor controller for controlling operation of the motor according to user input selections. Upon user selection of the record selector, the processor module enters a record mode and records a sequence of user inputs made through the user interface; the sequence including data indicative of a power profile selected by the user over a period of time, and upon completion of the record mode, the processor module saves a custom sequence indicative of the recorded sequence to the non-volatile storage medium for subsequent playback.