Double-Walled Food Processor Container with Pressure Relief Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food processors often face challenges with pressure and heat buildup during operation, which can lead to damage and affect the processing efficiency, particularly when using containers made from non-resilient materials like stainless steel.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a pressure relief mechanism that includes a collar with an annular undercut and protrusion, a coupling mechanism for securing to a cutting assembly, and an insulating material between the interior and exterior walls, along with a mechanism to deform and vent pressure when it exceeds a threshold, preventing damage and maintaining processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a container is made from non-resilient material like stainless steel, then the container has high strength and durability, but pressure buildup during operation can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two walls (inner wall and outer wall) with a space between them, creating a segmented structure that can manage pressure differently than a single-walled container. This segmentation allows the pressure relief mechanism to function effectively while maintaining the strength of non-resilient materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief mechanism converts the harmful effect of pressure buildup into a beneficial controlled release. When pressure exceeds the threshold, the mechanism deforms to open a vent, allowing excess pressure to escape safely, then returns to its original position to seal again, transforming a potential failure mode into a protective feature.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single piece of non-resilient material is used for the container body, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container body is segmented into an inner wall and outer wall with a space between them, allowing for thermal insulation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. This double-walled structure creates an insulating barrier without requiring complex multi-material construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the inner and outer walls acts as an intermediary thermal barrier. This intermediate space can be filled with insulating material or maintained as a vacuum to reduce heat transfer, effectively managing temperature while keeping the container structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If pressure relief mechanism is added to the container, then pressure damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief mechanism is merged with the container's existing structure, specifically utilizing the space between the inner and outer walls. The mechanism is integrated into the container body rather than being a separate add-on component, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief mechanism is designed to deform automatically when pressure exceeds the threshold, opening the vent without requiring external control systems. The mechanism serves itself by using the pressure differential to trigger its own activation and then automatically resealing when pressure normalizes.
4Strength
If collar with annular undercut and protrusion is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented with an annular undercut creating a distinct engagement zone. This segmentation allows the protrusion to fit into a specific recess area, providing secure attachment while tolerating reasonable manufacturing variations through the geometric interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar features asymmetric geometry with the annular undercut positioned at a specific location to receive the protrusion. This asymmetric design creates a unique engagement point that ensures proper alignment and secure attachment without requiring high-precision manufacturing throughout the entire collar structure.
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 container effectively manages pressure and heat buildup, preventing damage and ensuring efficient food processing by securely attaching to the cutting assembly and providing a safe pressure relief mechanism, allowing for the use of non-resilient materials like stainless steel while maintaining processed food temperature.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating material between the interior and exterior walls
Implementation Method 2
a mechanism to deform and vent pressure when it exceeds a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A container configured for use with a food processing system includes a container body configurable with a food processing base. The container body includes an interior wall and an exterior wall arranged in contact at a first end. The interior wall and the exterior wall are formed from a single piece of non-resilient material. A chamber is defined by the container body. A collar is mounted to the first end of the container body to form a seal between the collar and the contact between the interior wall and the exterior wall.