Blender Motor Dynamic Torque Control to Enable Off-the-Shelf Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blender motors require custom design for specific speed-torque characteristics, leading to increased costs and production difficulties, as off-the-shelf motors cannot meet the performance criteria of blending devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A blender system with a motor controller and memory that dynamically adjusts the motor's operating parameters, including torque and speed, using a near-field communication (NFC) coil for attachment-specific settings, allowing an off-the-shelf motor to operate within desired performance points, reducing the need for custom motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a custom motor is designed to meet specific speed-torque characteristics for blending devices, then the performance criteria are met, but the cost increases and production becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a controller that dynamically adjusts motor operating parameters (current, voltage, frequency) in real-time based on feedback from sensors monitoring speed, torque, and load conditions. This dynamic control allows an off-the-shelf motor to adapt its performance characteristics to match the specific requirements of blending devices, eliminating the need for custom motor design while maintaining reliable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency) supplied to the motor through the controller. By adjusting these parameters based on operational feedback, the system achieves the desired speed-torque characteristics required for blending applications using a standard motor, thereby avoiding custom motor manufacturing while meeting performance criteria.
2Reliability
If a custom motor is designed to meet specific speed-torque characteristics for blending devices, then the performance criteria are met, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standard off-the-shelf motor that can serve multiple applications through software-based control. The controller with stored algorithms enables the same motor to adapt to different blending device requirements by adjusting operating parameters, making the motor universally applicable across various blending applications without requiring custom-designed motors for each specific performance requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency) supplied to the motor through the controller. By adjusting these parameters based on operational feedback, the system achieves the desired speed-torque characteristics required for blending applications using a standard motor, thereby avoiding custom motor manufacturing while meeting performance criteria.
3Reliability
If a custom motor is designed to meet specific speed-torque characteristics for blending devices, then the performance criteria are met, but the time to market increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the controller with algorithms and lookup tables that define the relationship between speed, torque, and current for optimal blending performance. This preliminary configuration allows the off-the-shelf motor to immediately deliver the required performance characteristics upon deployment, eliminating the lengthy custom motor design and manufacturing process while meeting performance criteria from day one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/custom motor design process with an electronic/software-based solution. Instead of physically designing and manufacturing a custom motor, the system uses a standard motor combined with a programmable controller that electronically adjusts performance characteristics through control algorithms, significantly reducing development time and accelerating time to market.
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 the use of off-the-shelf motors in blending devices, maintaining performance while reducing costs and simplifying production, by dynamically controlling torque and speed to match specific blending requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment may include a near field communication (NFC) coil and memory device, wherein the attachment is operatively attachable to the blender base. The blender base may include a near field communication coil configured to communicate with the near field communication coil of the attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A motor for a blender may include an armature and a coil. The coil and armature operatively receive power from a power source. The blender may include a controller and a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to dynamically alter an output current to the motor. The instructions adjust the output current supplied to the motor at a given speed to reduce torque of the motor to match a preferred torque versus speed profile.