Detachable Food Processor Tool Locking for Bidirectional Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation appliances with rotatable tools often restrict rotation direction, making it difficult to prepare foods like dough, and pose challenges in cleaning due to liquid leakage and tool detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation appliance with a rotatable tool that can be detachably connected to a shaft outside the pot, featuring a locking mechanism allowing bidirectional rotation and a sealing system to prevent leakage, enabling easy food removal and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knife assembly is radially and axially secured in only one rotation direction via a spiral guide, then the knife is securely locked in that direction, but rotation in the opposite direction leads to detachment of the knife
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs asymmetric geometry where the tool flange features a non-circular profile with locking surfaces that engage with corresponding surfaces on the drive shaft. This asymmetric design allows the tool to be securely locked in both rotation directions while maintaining reliable connection, eliminating the limitation of single-direction locking found in conventional spiral guide designs
2Reliability
If the tool assembly is permanently locked to prevent detachment, then rotation stability is improved, but the tool cannot be easily removed for cleaning and food removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static permanent lock to a dynamic reversible connection. The tool can be automatically locked during operation through the engagement of locking surfaces, yet easily detached when needed for cleaning or food removal. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt between secured operation mode and maintenance mode
3Reliability
If the opening in the pot bottom is closed by the knife assembly, then sealing is improved, but liquid food waste cannot flow through the opening after food preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sealing function from the waste removal function. The tool assembly provides sealing when attached to the drive shaft, while the detachable nature of the connection allows the tool to be removed for waste disposal. The drive shaft remains in place with the opening sealed around it, enabling a clear division between operational sealing and cleaning access
4Adaptability or versatility
If a shaft is positioned at least partially outside the food preparation pot, then coupling to an external drive is enabled, but sealing against liquid leakage becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly acts as an intermediary element between the external drive shaft and the food preparation environment. When the tool is attached, it creates a sealed connection around the shaft, preventing liquid leakage while allowing the shaft to extend outside the pot for drive coupling. The tool flange and its locking surfaces provide both the sealing interface and the mechanical connection
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 reliable bidirectional rotation for efficient food preparation and easy tool detachment without leakage, facilitating the handling of various food types and simplifying the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
A locking mechanism for connecting the tool to the shaft in a locked manner is provided
Implementation Method 2
a sealing member is provided between the pot through-hole and the shaft, so that no liquid escapes from the interior of the food preparation pot through the pot through-hole towards the outside
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a food preparation appliance including a food preparation pot and a rotatable tool for chopping and/or blending a food in the food preparation pot wherein the tool is detachably connected to a shaft, which is at least partially outside the food preparation pot in order to be coupled to a drive for rotation. Further, a locking mechanism is provided for connecting the tool to the shaft in a locked manner. The locking mechanism is arranged in such a way that, during operation, the tool can be driven by the shaft in both rotation directions for chopping and/or blending a food.