Cleaning device for a mixing vessel of a food processor operated by an electric motor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for mixing vessels of food processors are inadequate for thoroughly and efficiently cleaning difficult-to-reach areas such as the vessel bottom and inner side of the cover element.

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 for simultaneous cleaning of the vessel bottom, circumferential wall, and cover element, with a design that includes bristle elements and an elastic material for flexibility and adjustable contact pressure, and an optional wave-shaped contour for liquid-assisted cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional cleaning device is used, then the cleaning device can be easily manufactured and operated, but it cannot effectively clean hard-to-reach areas such as the vessel bottom and cover element inner side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidcleaning device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into multiple independent cleaning elements (first cleaning element for the circumferential wall, second cleaning element for the vessel bottom, third cleaning element for the cover element) that can be distributed across different surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific cleaning task while collectively achieving comprehensive coverage of all hard-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device transitions from a conventional single-plane design to a three-dimensional configuration with cleaning elements positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. The first cleaning element extends radially outward, the second cleaning element is positioned at the lower end for bottom cleaning, and the third cleaning element reaches the cover element, creating a multi-dimensional cleaning architecture that accesses all surfaces.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a C-shaped cleaning device with multiple cleaning elements is used, then comprehensive cleaning coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous cleaning capabilityVSAvoidnumber of cleaning elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning elements with different functions are merged into a single integrated cleaning device structure. The first, second, and third cleaning elements are combined on one rotating assembly, allowing simultaneous cleaning of the circumferential wall, vessel bottom, and cover element during a single rotation cycle, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is designed as a universal cleaning system that can clean multiple different surfaces (circumferential wall, vessel bottom, cover element) with a single device. Each cleaning element is positioned and configured to perform a specific function, but collectively they provide multi-functional cleaning capability across all interior surfaces of the mixing vessel.

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

3Extent of automation

If manual cleaning devices are used, then no additional cleaning mechanisms are needed, but user effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic cleaningVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is designed to clean the mixing vessel automatically during or after the mixing operation. The cleaning elements are positioned to contact all interior surfaces, and the rotation of the mixing vessel during normal operation automatically activates the cleaning function, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations and reducing overall cleaning time.

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

The C-shaped design effectively cleans hard-to-reach areas without impeding liquid flow, while the elastic material and bristle elements ensure thorough removal of deposits, and the wave-shaped contour enhances cleaning efficiency with minimal liquid usage.

Implementation Method 1

the cleaning device is at least in partial areas made of an elastic material such that the C-shape can be compressed in the direction of the rotational axis under the influence of a force acting from radially outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cleaning device has viewed from radially outside a wave-shaped contour, which continues in the circumferential direction and has at least one ascending wave section and at least one descending wave section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave motion:

Implementation Method 3

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS10960369B2Cleaning device for a mixing vessel of a food processor operated by an electric motor
Publication Date: 2021.03.30 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • US10960369B2 patent drawing
  • US10960369B2 patent drawing
  • US10960369B2 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.