Interlocking blending system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blender interlock systems are ineffective in consistently preventing motor operation when the lid is not securely attached, occupy extra space, and are prone to vibration-related operational issues, making them difficult to clean and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A wireless interlocking system using a bridge coil assembly with a first and second coil in electronic communication, along with a lid switch, which provides selective power to the motor only when the lid is properly attached to the container and positioned on the base, utilizing electromagnetic communication between transmitter and receiver coils to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent motor operation when the lid is not attached, then safety interlocking is achieved, but the system occupies extra space and is prone to vibration-related operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock systems with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The system uses a transmitter coil in the base and a receiver coil in the lid to detect lid attachment status through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for mechanical arms, links, springs, and other mechanical connection paths that occupy space and are susceptible to vibration-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the lid and base to transmit attachment status information. The transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the receiver coil when the lid is properly attached, allowing the system to detect lid presence without direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical connection paths.
2Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to ensure lid attachment, then safety control is achieved, but the system is difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock components that require cleaning and maintenance with a non-contact electromagnetic detection system. The transmitter and receiver coils have no moving parts or mechanical connections that can accumulate food residue or require disassembly for cleaning, making the system easier to maintain while reliably detecting lid attachment status.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent blade rotation without lid, then safety is improved, but the system takes up extra space for connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for space-consuming mechanical connection paths by using electromagnetic fields to detect lid attachment. The transmitter coil in the base and receiver coil in the lid communicate through electromagnetic coupling, requiring no physical connection paths or mechanical arms, thereby reducing the space occupied by the interlock system while still preventing blade rotation when the lid is not properly attached.
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 system reliably prevents motor operation without the lid, reduces space requirements, and mitigates vibration-related issues, providing a more efficient and user-friendly interlocking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter coil in a base and a receiver coil in a container. The container may include a bridge coil assembly. The bridge coil assembly may include a first coil in electronic communication with a second coil.
Implementation Method 2
The first coil may be in communication with at least one lid switch. The lid switch may be provided generally adjacent the open end of the container and be engaged to provide a signal or complete a bridge circuit when the lid is attached to the container to cover the open end.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
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 interlock system that may include a plurality of induction coils positioned on the base and the container and be in electrical communication with at least one lid sensor, wherein the power is translated through the induction coils to engage a switch device to complete a power circuit to allow a user to operate the motor of the blender.