Blender Lid Interlock Using Optical Reflection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blender interlock systems are mechanical and often fail to ensure the lid is properly secured on the container before operation, which can lead to safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A light-based interlock system that emits light from the blender base, reflects it off the lid, and senses the reflection to ensure the lid is correctly positioned before allowing the blender to operate, using light emitters and sensors to control the blender's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to detect lid position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of lid detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock detection systems with an optical detection system. Light emitters and sensors are used to detect the presence and position of the lid through optical signals rather than mechanical switches or contacts. This substitution improves reliability by providing more accurate and consistent detection while reducing mechanical wear and failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) to mediate between the lid position and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the optical field serves as an intermediary carrier that translates lid position into detectable optical signals, enhancing detection reliability without adding complex mechanical linkages.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical interlock systems are used, then the device complexity is lower, but the measurement precision of lid position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical position sensing with optical sensing. Light emitters project optical patterns that are reflected or transmitted by the lid, and sensors detect these optical patterns to precisely determine lid position. This provides high measurement precision through optical resolution rather than mechanical tolerance limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical properties including light reflection, transmission, and absorption characteristics to detect lid position. By analyzing changes in optical signals (analogous to color changes in broader optical detection), the system achieves precise measurement of lid presence and position without complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
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
This solution effectively prevents blender operation when the lid is not properly secured, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency without interfering with the blending function.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting the emitted light from the lid toward the base
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking method and blending apparatus is provided which includes a base, container, and lid. The apparatus comprises light emitters, light sensors, and light reflectors. Light is emitted by the light emitters from the base, through the container, and toward the lid. Light reflectors in the lid reflect the light back through the container and toward the base. The light sensors detect the reflected light and can be used to control operation of the blender and illumination of the container. Light may be in the visible spectrum, or sub-visible spectrum. The light emitters and light sensors may be at the base and/or the bottom of the container.