C-Shaped Mixer Vessel Cleaner for Bottom and Lid Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for mixing vessels of electric motor-operated food processors are inadequate for thoroughly cleaning difficult-to-reach areas such as the vessel bottom and inner lid element, often requiring manual effort and not optimizing the cleaning process when the lid is closed.

Innovation Solution

A C-shaped cleaning device that can be connected rotationally to the mixing vessel's rotating element, featuring a central support element with C-shaped or G-shaped extensions that contact the vessel bottom, peripheral wall, and lid element, allowing for simultaneous cleaning of these areas without impeding liquid flow, and optionally incorporating a wavy contour for enhanced liquid distribution and abrasive cleaning action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional cleaning device is used, then the cleaning process is simple, but it cannot effectively clean hard-to-reach areas such as the vessel bottom and lid element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into multiple functional segments: a central support element and multiple C-shaped or G-shaped cleaning elements that can contact different surfaces (vessel bottom, circumferential wall, lid element) simultaneously. This segmentation allows the device to reach hard-to-access areas while maintaining operational simplicity through rotation-driven motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device transitions from traditional single-plane cleaning to multi-dimensional cleaning by extending cleaning elements in radial, axial, and circumferential directions. The C-shaped/G-shaped structure with legs positioned at different heights enables simultaneous contact with the vessel bottom, sidewalls, and lid, adding vertical and radial dimensions to the cleaning action.

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

2Ease of operation

If the cleaning device contacts the vessel bottom and lid element, then cleaning coverage is improved, but liquid flow may be impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidliquid flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device incorporates open C-shaped or G-shaped structures rather than solid barriers. These local openings in the cleaning elements allow liquid to flow through and around the device while the legs and contours maintain contact with cleaning surfaces. This local quality optimization ensures cleaning coverage without compromising liquid circulation necessary for effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If manual cleaning is used, then no special device is needed, but it requires significant user effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is designed as a multi-functional attachment that can be connected to the rotating element of various food processing appliances. It simultaneously performs cleaning of multiple surfaces (bottom, walls, lid) and can be integrated with existing appliance mechanisms, providing universal applicability without requiring completely new complex systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device leverages the rotational motion already present in food processing appliances to perform cleaning automatically. The rotating cleaning elements self-generate the mechanical action needed for cleaning through their interaction with the vessel surfaces during normal appliance operation, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 thorough and efficient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas within the mixing vessel, including the vessel bottom and lid element, while maintaining liquid flow and using minimal liquid, effectively removing deposits with mechanical and chemical action, even when the lid is closed.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid loosens deposits from the inner wall of the mixing bowl

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical action: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

setting the liquid inside the mixing bowl in motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

the flow of liquid within the stirred vessel is not impeded and can be used to support it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 4

designed to sweep over at least a partial area of an inner wall of the mixing bowl when the rotating element rotates and to mechanically loosen deposits located there

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3578089B1Cleaning device for a mixing vessel of a food processor operated using an electric motor
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP3578089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578089B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3578089B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for a mixing vessel (2) of an electrically operated kitchen machine (3), wherein the cleaning device (1) can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a rotating element (6) positioned in the mixing vessel (2) of the kitchen machine (3) by means of a fastening means (4) and is designed to sweep over at least a partial area of ​​an inner wall (8) of the mixing vessel (2) when the rotating element (6) is rotated about an axis of rotation (7) and to mechanically loosen deposits located there.In order to achieve a complete cleaning of the inner walls (8) of the stirred vessel (2), it is proposed that the cleaning device (1) be designed to act in both the axial and radial directions, wherein the cleaning device (1) has a C-shaped form when viewed in the radial direction, which is convex outwards from the axis of rotation (7) and has at least two opposing legs (9, 10) and a central part (11) connecting the two legs (9, 10).