Blender Optical Interlock Using Light Reflection for Lid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blender interlock systems are mechanical and often fail to ensure the lid is properly secured before allowing 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
1Device complexity
If mechanical interlock systems are used to detect lid position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of lid securing detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock detection systems with an optical detection system using light emitters, light sensors, and reflective surfaces. The optical system detects lid position and proper securing through light reflection patterns, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches and rods while improving detection reliability through non-contact sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the lid and the detection system. Light emitters send light signals that reflect off the lid surface back to light sensors, creating an indirect detection mechanism that is more reliable than direct mechanical contact while maintaining system simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical interlock systems are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the safety assurance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection components with optical components that can be more easily manufactured and integrated into modern plastic lid and container designs. The optical system provides enhanced safety by detecting improper lid securing through light reflection patterns, preventing operation when the lid is not correctly positioned.
3Reliability
If optical interlock system is implemented, then the reliability of lid detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light emitter, light sensor, and reflective surface components into existing lid and container structures, allowing these components to serve both their original functions and the additional interlock detection function. This multi-functionality approach minimizes overall system complexity while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as a simple intermediary that requires minimal infrastructure. The light reflection principle is physically simple and requires no complex signal processing, reducing the overall system complexity despite using optical components for reliable detection.
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
Ensures the lid is properly secured before operation, enhancing user safety and maintaining operational efficiency without interfering with the blending function.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light from at least one of the base and container toward the lid
Implementation Method 2
reflecting the emitted light from the lid toward the base
Implementation Method 3
sensing the reflected light at at least one of the base and container
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.