Blender Optical Interlock System to Prevent False Motor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blender interlock systems require physical connections, which take up space, are prone to vibration damage, and are difficult to clean, and often result in false motor actuation.
Innovation Solution
An optical recognition interlock system using an image sensor on the blender base to detect indicia, such as barcodes, on the lid to ensure proper alignment and operation, eliminating the need for mechanical connections and enhancing durability and vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent motor actuation when lid is removed, then motor safety control is achieved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical arms, links, and springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interlock system (mechanical arms, links, springs) with an optical detection system using a camera and image processing. The camera detects the presence and position of the lid through optical means, and the control system processes images to determine whether the lid is properly positioned, thereby controlling motor actuation without mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system between the lid and the motor control mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical connection, the camera acts as an intermediary that detects lid position and transmits this information to the control system, which then decides whether to activate the motor.
2Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to ensure lid attachment, then motor safety control is achieved, but the system becomes more susceptible to vibration damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical connection paths by substituting them with an optical detection system. The camera and image processing system are not subject to vibration damage in the same way mechanical components are, as they detect lid position optically rather than through physical contact and mechanical force transmission.
3Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent motor actuation without lid, then safety control is achieved, but space is consumed by mechanical components and connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical components (arms, links, springs) with a compact optical detection system. The camera and associated electronics occupy significantly less space than the mechanical interlock system would require, while achieving the same safety control function.
4Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to ensure lid attachment, then motor safety control is achieved, but ease of cleaning is reduced due to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock components (arms, links, springs) with an optical detection system consisting of a camera and electronics. This substitution eliminates the mechanical parts that create crevices and difficult-to-reach areas, resulting in a smoother, easier-to-clean surface structure.
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 optical recognition system effectively prevents false motor actuation, reduces space usage, and improves durability by ensuring accurate lid alignment without mechanical links, while being easier to clean and less susceptible to vibration damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical recognition interlock system using an image sensor on the blender base to detect indicia, such as barcodes, on the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor rotates the blade, a container having an open end and a lid configured to cover the open end. The blending system may also include an optical interlock detector that may include a camera positioned on the base and indicia positioned at a predetermined location on a lid, wherein the camera detects the indicia and position of the lid to permit operation of the blender.