Food Processor Dicing Element with Safe Storage and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food processors require frequent tool changes for different processing operations and handling is challenging due to sharp blades, making sanitary handling and food residue removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design with a dicing tool that has multiple elements with interchangeable dicing openings, allowing for selective movement between processing and storage positions, and management tools for safe handling and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing tools with sharp blades are used for different processing operations, then processing versatility is improved, but handling safety and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A management tool with a handle and body acts as an intermediary between the user and the dicing element. The management tool allows users to insert, remove, and clean dicing elements without directly handling the sharp blades, thus maintaining processing versatility while improving handling safety
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is segmented into separate components: the management tool (for safe handling), the dicing element (with sharp blades for processing), and the food processor body. This segmentation allows the dangerous cutting function to be isolated in a replaceable element that can be safely managed through the intermediary management tool
2Productivity
If processing tools with sharp blades are used, then processing capability is improved, but ease of cleaning and maintenance deteriorate due to food residue accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The management tool serves as an intermediary cleaning device with a body that fits over the dicing element. Users can insert the management tool to reach and remove food residue from the dicing openings and blades without directly handling the sharp elements, thus improving ease of cleaning while maintaining processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The management tool enables users to easily clean the dicing element themselves without requiring special tools or techniques. The design allows self-service cleaning by providing a simple insert-rotate-remove mechanism to access and clean all surfaces of the dicing element
3Manufacturing precision
If dicing elements with multiple sharp elements are used, then dicing precision is improved, but sanitary handling deteriorates due to difficulty in avoiding blade contact
Solution Approach 1:
The management tool with its handle and body structure acts as a sanitary intermediary, allowing users to grip and manipulate the dicing element indirectly. The management tool's body covers the sharp blades during handling, and the handle provides a secure grip point away from the cutting surfaces, thus maintaining dicing precision while improving sanitary handling
Solution Approach 2:
The management tool body acts as a protective shell that covers the sharp dicing elements during handling and storage. This shell structure prevents direct contact with blades while allowing access to the dicing openings for cleaning purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor defining a food processing path comprises a frame having a first compartment located within the food processing path and a second compartment located out of the food processing path and at least one dicing element configured to be received in both of the first and second compartments. When the dicing element is received in the first compartment, the dicing element dices food passing through the food processing path, and when the dicing element is received in the second compartment, the dicing element is stored out of the food processing path.