Blender apparatus with safety interlock system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact personal-sized blenders face safety issues due to overheating and pressure buildup, leading to potential explosions and inadequate blending performance when handling hard and dense foods, while lacking efficient infusion systems for daily hydration.
Innovation Solution
A blending device with a thermal detector integrated into an electronic interlock system that prevents motor operation when temperature exceeds a set maximum, combined with a blade assembly and blender base assembly that ensures safe electrical communication only when properly aligned and engaged, and an infusion system for various food types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the motor power is increased to blend hard and dense foods effectively, then the blending performance is improved, but the heat output and risk of overheating increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a thermal detector that continuously monitors the temperature within the blending chamber and provides feedback to the control system. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically shuts down the motor to prevent overheating, thus maintaining high power blending capability while ensuring safety through real-time temperature monitoring and automatic protection.
2Ease of operation
If the blending chamber is sealed to allow direct drinking from the cup, then convenience is improved, but pressure buildup from overheating cannot be released safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary safety mechanism in the form of a thermal detector and control system that acts as a mediator between the sealed blending chamber and the motor. This intermediary system monitors temperature conditions and interrupts power supply when overheating is detected, preventing pressure buildup while maintaining the sealed design for convenient direct drinking.
3Volume of moving object
If the blender design is made compact for personal use, then portability and space efficiency are improved, but heat dissipation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on passive mechanical heat dissipation (which would require larger ventilation openings in a compact design) with an active electronic control system. The thermal detector and automatic shutdown mechanism substitute for adequate natural convection pathways, allowing the blender to maintain a compact form factor while preventing overheating through intelligent monitoring and control rather than increased physical heat dissipation structures.
4Device complexity
If the blade assembly is mounted directly on the blending vessel for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the blade holder becomes a projectile hazard when pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a thermal detection and control system that prevents the pressure buildup condition before it can occur. By monitoring temperature and shutting down the motor before excessive heat generates dangerous pressure, the system preemptively eliminates the hazard of the blade holder becoming a projectile, while maintaining the simple direct-mount blade assembly design.
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 device ensures safe operation by preventing overheating and pressure buildup, effectively blending hard foods while maintaining user safety, and provides an integrated infusion system for maintaining hydration with versatile usage.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal detector configured to be in detective proximity to a matter being blended
Implementation Method 2
The blender vessel is configured to compress the compressive contact to a communicative configuration when the blender vessel is engaged with the blade assembly
Implementation Method 3
a motor configured to transform electrical energy to mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A blending device having an interlock system which may comprise a plurality of subassemblies. A thermal detector may be configured to be proximity with matter being blended for human consumption. Interlock system may further include a blade interlock contact and a compressive contact. The blender vessel may be configured to compress the compressive contact to a communicative configuration when connected with the blade assembly. Interlock system may utilize a blender base assembly that has base interlock contacts and a motor. The blade assembly may be configured to releasably mount to the blender base assembly and may cause the base interlock contact and the blade interlock contact to come into electrical communication with each other. The interlock system may ultimately result in the motor being obstructed from operation unless certain conditions are met. The interlock system may further utilize one or more than one logic circuit element.