C-Shaped Mixing Vessel Cleaner for Simultaneous Surface Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for mixing vessels of food processors are inadequate for thoroughly cleaning difficult-to-reach areas such as the vessel bottom and inner side of the cover element, limiting their effectiveness in removing deposits.

Innovation Solution

A C-shaped cleaning device that can be connected to the rotary element of a food processor in a torque-proof manner, allowing it to contact and clean the vessel bottom, circumferential wall, and cover element simultaneously, with a design that accommodates different curvatures and sections, and optionally features a wave-shaped contour for enhanced cleaning and liquid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional cleaning device is used, then it can clean the circumferential wall, but it cannot effectively clean the vessel bottom and cover element inner side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into multiple independent cleaning elements (first cleaning element for circumferential wall, second cleaning element for vessel bottom, third cleaning element for cover element) that can simultaneously clean different surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific cleaning task while working together to provide comprehensive cleaning coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device transitions from a single-plane cleaning approach to a multi-dimensional cleaning structure that extends radially outward to contact the circumferential wall, vertically downward to contact the vessel bottom, and upward to contact the cover element inner side. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous cleaning of multiple surfaces that were previously inaccessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning device contacts all surfaces simultaneously, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning elements with different functions (circumferential wall cleaning, vessel bottom cleaning, cover element cleaning) are merged into a single integrated cleaning device that rotates together with the rotary element. This consolidation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple surfaces while maintaining a unified rotational mechanism, avoiding the need for separate cleaning devices for each surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is designed as a universal cleaning solution that can clean multiple different surfaces (circumferential wall, vessel bottom, cover element inner side) simultaneously through its multiple cleaning elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cleaning tools for different surfaces, reducing overall system complexity while expanding cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the cleaning device is made C-shaped to reach difficult areas, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but liquid flow may be impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidliquid flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The C-shaped cleaning device features locally optimized cleaning zones where the cleaning elements are positioned to contact specific surfaces (circumferential wall, vessel bottom, cover element) while leaving central flow paths open. This local concentration of cleaning action at the periphery allows effective cleaning without blocking the central area through which liquid needs to flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped curved geometry of the cleaning device is designed to conform to the curved inner surfaces of the mixing bowl, allowing it to contact the circumferential wall, vessel bottom, and cover element along their curved surfaces. This curved configuration follows the natural flow paths of liquid and food particles, enabling effective cleaning while maintaining adequate liquid flow through the center of the bowl.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 C-shaped design enables thorough and efficient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without impeding liquid flow, while the wave-shaped contour enhances the cleaning effect by displacing liquid to remove deposits effectively, ensuring optimal cleaning of the mixing vessel's inner surfaces, including the cover element.

Implementation Method 1

designed for mechanically removing deposits located thereon during a rotation of the rotary element about a rotational axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the wave-shaped contour enhances the cleaning effect by displacing liquid to remove deposits effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid displacement:

Data Source

PatentUS11590466B2Cleaning device for a mixing vessel of a food processor operated by an electric motor
Publication Date: 2023.02.28 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • US11590466B2 patent drawing
  • US11590466B2 patent drawing
  • US11590466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cleaning device for a mixing vessel of a food processor operated by an electric motor, wherein the mixing vessel has a vessel bottom, a circumferential wall and a cover element and can be connected to a rotary element in a torque-proof manner with the aid of a fasteners and is designed for sweeping over at least a partial area of an inner wall of the mixing vessel and mechanically removing deposits located thereon during a rotation of the rotary element about a rotational axis. The cleaning device is in the form of a bristle element or wiper element and has a C-shaped design that is in contact with the vessel bottom, the circumferential wall and the cover element such that cleaning of the vessel bottom, the circumferential wall and the cover element can take place simultaneously when the mixing vessel is closed with the cover element.