Coupling Shaft Spring Ring Mechanism for Secure Rotary Tool Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors face challenges in providing a robust and reliable connection between the rotary tool and the electric motor, leading to potential detachment during inverted use or improper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A coupling shaft with a spring ring mechanism that compresses radially inwardly for secure attachment of a rotary tool assembly, featuring drive wings and a drive cup that engages with the spring ring for stable rotation transmission, even when the container is inverted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional rigid coupling mechanism is used to connect the rotary tool to the motor shaft, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic spring-based system. The spring element allows the coupling to adapt between locked and unlocked states, providing both strong connection during operation and easy release when needed. The spring force dynamically adjusts to maintain reliable engagement while allowing controlled disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring element, the retaining member, the drive cup, and the drive shaft. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the spring provides elastic force, the retaining member engages with the drive cup, and the drive cup transmits rotation - while working together to achieve both strong connection and easy assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-based detachable coupling mechanism is used, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the reliability of connection under inverted conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member features asymmetric geometry with a protrusion that engages with a corresponding recess in the drive cup at specific angular positions. This asymmetric design ensures that the coupling remains reliably engaged during normal operation and even when inverted, while still allowing easy assembly and disassembly through controlled rotational movement. The asymmetric shape prevents accidental detachment while maintaining secure connection.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated coupling mechanism. The spring element simultaneously provides engagement force, maintains contact between components, and enables easy release. The retaining member combines positioning, locking, and release functions in one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based mechanism is self-actuating - the spring force automatically maintains engagement between the retaining member and drive cup during operation, and the same spring force enables easy release when rotational force is applied. The system uses its own elastic energy to both secure and release the connection, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
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
Ensures a simple, detachable, and hygienic fastening of the rotary tool assembly, preventing detachment and facilitating easy cleaning, while maintaining robustness and audibly confirming the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring ring (i.e., a ring-shaped, elastic element) for locking with a drive cup connected to the rotating tool, wherein the spring ring can be compressed radially inwards against its spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A coupling shaft 100 for a food processor is disclosed. The coupling shaft comprises a coupling section 120 for receiving a rotation, a drive section 110 with at least two drive wings 111a, 111b, 111c for transmitting the received rotation to at least one rotary tool 214a, 214b, and a radially inwardly compressible spring ring for locking with a drive cup 210 connected to the rotary tool. A rotary tool assembly 200 is also disclosed, comprising at least one rotary tool 214a, 214b and a drive cup 210 for fitting over the drive section 110 and the spring ring 130 of such a coupling shaft 100. A container-tool combination 1 and a food processor are further disclosed.