Bread Maker Shaft Positioning Using Optical Stop Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread makers often have issues with the mixing and kneading blade stopping at unsuitable angles, which can interfere with subsequent operations, such as container withdrawal, due to lack of precise control over the rotation of the upper and lower rotating shafts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a transmitting plate with an optical signal transmitting lamp and receiver on the lower rotating shaft, allowing for automatic positioning of the upper and lower rotating shafts at a proper angle upon receiving a stop signal, using a guide mechanism and light blocking box to prevent external interference and ensure accurate control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mixing and kneading blade is driven by power member through lower rotating shaft and upper rotating shaft, then the mixing and kneading function is achieved, but the blade may stop at unsuitable angle causing interference with subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical rotation control system with an optical detection system. The optical signal transmitting lamp and receiver detect the position of the through hole in the lower rotating shaft, converting mechanical position information into optical signals for precise control. This allows the system to automatically stop at the correct angle, preventing interference with container withdrawal while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical receiver continuously monitors the position of the lower rotating shaft through the through hole, and the controller adjusts the rotation to ensure the shafts stop at the proper angle. This feedback loop guarantees precise positioning, ensuring that the mixing blade stops at a suitable angle that facilitates smooth container withdrawal.
2Measurement precision
If optical signal transmitting lamp and receiver are disposed on lower rotating shaft, then automatic positioning is achieved, but external light interference may affect signal accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optically controlled environment by using the through hole in the lower rotating shaft as a controlled aperture. The optical signal transmitting lamp and receiver are positioned to communicate through this hole, creating a restricted optical path that minimizes external light interference. This controlled optical environment ensures accurate position detection while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole in the lower rotating shaft serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the optical signal transmitting lamp and receiver. It provides a controlled transmission path for the optical signals while blocking external light interference, thus protecting the precision of the positioning system from harmful external factors.
3Productivity
If upper rotating shaft and lower rotating shaft are always in driving connection, then continuous mixing operation is achieved, but difficulty in separating connectors occurs during container withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the driving connection between the upper and lower rotating shafts conditional rather than permanent. The guide mechanism enables the connectors to engage during mixing operations for continuous productivity, and automatically separate during container withdrawal based on positional feedback. This dynamic connection state resolves the contradiction between operational continuity and ease of withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the upper and lower connectors at appropriate locations before the mixing operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the connectors are ready to engage for continuous mixing, while also being pre-configured to separate automatically when withdrawal is needed, thus facilitating both productivity and ease of operation.
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
Enables automatic positioning of the rotating shafts at precise angles, facilitating smooth operations like container withdrawal without interference, enhancing the overall functionality and usability of the bread maker.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal transmitting lamp (151) and an optical signal receiver (152) are disposed on the transmitting plate (150)
Data Source
AI summary
A bread maker has a base disposed with a power member, a container, an upper rotating shaft and a lower rotating shaft. The power member is in driving connection with the lower rotating shaft. The lower rotating shaft is in driving connection with the upper rotating shaft. The upper rotating shaft is in driving connection with a mixing and kneading blade situated inside the container. A transmitting plate is disposed in the base with an optical signal transmitting lamp and an optical signal receiver. A through hole perpendicular to an axis disposed on the lower shaft and running through the lower rotating shaft is disposed on the lower rotating shaft. The receiver is in signal connection with the power member. The transmitting lamp and the receiver are respectively located at two sides of the lower rotating shaft. The receiver is in signal connection with the power member.