Interlocking blending system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blender interlock systems are prone to damage, failure, and difficulty in cleaning due to mechanical components, and they often require a specific container-base combination, leading to improper functioning and potential spills.
Innovation Solution
A blender system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) components in the container and base to ensure proper interlocking and operation, allowing for wireless communication and power transfer, thus eliminating the need for mechanical connections and enabling compatibility with various containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent blade rotation when lid is removed, then safety is improved, but the system becomes prone to damage and failure from vibrations and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interlock system with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The base contains a detection circuit that generates an electromagnetic field, and the container has a corresponding sensor that detects this field to determine proper positioning. This eliminates mechanical arms, links, and springs that were susceptible to vibration damage and wear, while maintaining the safety function of preventing blade rotation when the container is not properly attached.
2Reliability
If mechanical connection paths are used for interlocking, then secure connection is achieved, but space for vibration isolation or damping is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical connection paths that transmit vibrations by using wireless electromagnetic field communication between the base and container. The detection circuit in the base and sensor in the container communicate through electromagnetic fields, requiring no physical connection paths, thereby eliminating the space needed for vibration isolation while maintaining secure connection detection.
3Reliability
If dedicated container-base combinations are used, then proper functioning is ensured, but adaptability to different containers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electromagnetic field detection system that can work with multiple container types. The base contains a detection circuit that generates electromagnetic fields, and containers have sensors that can detect these fields regardless of container type. This allows the system to maintain reliable operation while being compatible with various container designs, eliminating the need for dedicated container-base combinations.
4Reliability
If mechanical interlock components are used, then interlocking function is achieved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interlock components with electromagnetic field-based detection. The base contains a detection circuit with no moving parts, and containers have simple sensors. This eliminates the mechanical arms, links, and springs that create cleaning difficulties, while maintaining the interlocking function through wireless electromagnetic communication.
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 NFC-based system prevents motor operation unless the lid and container are correctly interlocked, ensuring safe and efficient blending while allowing for the use of different containers, reducing maintenance needs and preventing spills.
Implementation Method 1
The container may comprise a near field communications (NFC) chip that may receive power and communicate with an NFC component of a blender base when the container and the blender base are interlocked.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A blender system that includes a base (210) that is selectively and operatively engaged with a container (230). The base may include a near field communications chip (214) that communicate with a near field communications chip (234) of a container. The base also includes a motor that is selectively and operatively engaged with a blade disposed within the container.