Cord-Driven Disc Grater with One-Hand Stability and Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually operated disc graters face challenges in applying sufficient pressure and torque to effectively cut hard or fibrous materials due to the limitations of crank drives, which result in either incomplete cutting or material crushing.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a holding control element with a detachable shaft that stabilizes the device with one hand, a locking mechanism to prevent accidental operation, and a drive wheel with external teeth engaging internal teeth of the work unit, allowing for increased torque and stability during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a cord drive is manually operated with one hand, then the device can be operated without electrical power, but the device must be held with the other hand and the food to be cut must also be fed with this hand, making it difficult to apply sufficient pressure and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an upper part for holding and feeding food, a lower part for stability, and a cord drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall operability
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-handed operation (holding and feeding) to a one-handed operation by adding stability means to the lower part. This dimensional change in operational approach allows the user to feed food with one hand while the device remains stable on the surface
2Force
If the device is designed to be held stably with one hand, then pressure can be applied to feed food, but the device may slip or tip when pulling force is applied to operate the cord drive
Solution Approach 1:
The lower part of the device acts as a counterweight and stability base, providing resistance against the pulling force applied to the cord drive. This prevents the device from slipping or tipping during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device extends in the direction of the pulling force, creating an elongated shape that increases stability. This dimensional change in geometry prevents rotation and tipping when force is applied
3Ease of operation
If the opening is surrounded by a shaft that serves as a filler neck, then the device can be held more stably and food can be fed efficiently, but the device cannot be stored in a space-saving manner when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed as a detachable component that can be plugged onto or removed from the opening. This dynamic configuration allows the device to be compact for storage while maintaining full functionality during use
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed as a separate part that can be detached from the upper part. This segmentation allows the components to be stored separately or nested, reducing overall storage space while maintaining stability and feeding efficiency during operation
4Volume of moving object
If the shaft is designed as a separate part that can be plugged onto the opening, then the device can be stored in a space-saving manner, but the device cannot be operated without first attaching the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft's detachable design allows it to be attached or removed as needed. This dynamic configuration enables compact storage while maintaining full operational capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft serves as both a stability component and an unlocking element. By attaching the shaft first, the device is prepared for operation, ensuring all components are in place before use
5Reliability
If a locking element is provided to block the work unit in a non-operating state, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated with the shaft and opening structure. The shaft itself serves as the unlocking element, combining multiple functions into a single component rather than adding separate locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the shaft itself. When the shaft is attached to the opening, it automatically releases the locking element, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for processing foodstuffs, comprising an upper part, a drive and a lower part and a working unit that can be driven and set rotating by means of the drive, the drive being a manually cord-operated drive and the device having a holding-operating element on the upper part. The upper part of the device has an opening and is designed to feed the foodstuff to be processed to the working unit and to hold the device in position.