Drive device with unidirectional or bidirectional rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual rope drive devices for culinary appliances lack the ability to seamlessly transition between unidirectional and bidirectional rotation, necessitating manual adjustment of force and speed to accommodate varying food textures, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A rotational drive device with a coupling member that can switch between unidirectional and bidirectional rotation modes, utilizing a ratchet wheel for single-direction rotation and a dog wheel for two-directional rotation, along with a two-stage gear system to modify torque and speed, and an elastic member and actuator to facilitate position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual rope drive device uses a fixed gear ratio, then the structure is simple, but the torque and rotation speed cannot be adapted to different food textures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gear ratio changeable during operation. The drive mechanism transitions from a static fixed gear ratio to a dynamic variable gear ratio system, allowing the user to switch between different transmission ratios (first gear ratio for high torque, second gear ratio for high speed) based on the food texture being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter (gear ratio) to adapt to different operational requirements. By providing at least two different transmission ratios, the system can optimize torque for hard foods requiring cutting force, and optimize rotation speed for soft foods requiring mixing action.
2Productivity
If the user manually adjusts force and speed for varying food textures, then no additional mechanism is needed, but efficiency decreases and equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic gear ratio mechanism allows automatic adaptation to different food textures without requiring manual judgment and adjustment by the user. The system dynamically switches between cutting mode (high torque) and mixing mode (high speed) based on the selected program, improving efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism serves itself by automatically selecting the appropriate transmission ratio based on the pre-programmed sequences. The control system manages the gear ratio changes without requiring manual intervention, allowing the user to simply select the food type while the system handles the mechanical adaptation.
3Power
If a single gear ratio is used for all operations, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot provide both high torque for cutting and high speed for mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into at least two distinct transmission ratios, allowing the drive mechanism to provide optimized power characteristics for different operational phases. The first transmission ratio delivers high torque for cutting hard foods, while the second transmission ratio provides high rotation speed for mixing soft foods.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism achieves multi-functionality by incorporating variable transmission ratios that enable both cutting and mixing operations with a single device. The same motor and basic mechanism structure can deliver both high torque and high speed performance by changing the gear ratio, eliminating the need for separate specialized mechanisms.
4Speed
If the rope must be pulled forcefully and quickly to achieve high rotation speed, then speed increases, but the operation becomes difficult and may prevent rope return
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the transmission ratio parameter, the system can achieve high rotation speed without requiring the user to pull the rope forcefully. The second transmission ratio (higher ratio) provides mechanical advantage that converts moderate rope pulling effort into high rotation speed at the working element, making the operation easier while maintaining effectiveness.
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 versatile operation for chopping and mixing by allowing easy switching between unidirectional and bidirectional rotation, optimizing torque and speed based on food texture, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the risk of equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet wheel for single-direction rotation
Implementation Method 2
a dog wheel for two-directional rotation
Implementation Method 3
a two-stage gear system to modify torque and speed
Implementation Method 4
an elastic member and actuator to facilitate position changes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotational drive device (1) for a food processor (100), such as a mixer or grinder. The drive device (1) comprises (i) a rotational subassembly (29), (ii) a drive member (30) for rotating a food processing arm, and (iii) a coupling member (6) for rotating the rotational subassembly (29) with the drive member (30) to transmit rotational motion from the rotational subassembly (29) to the drive member (30). The coupling member (6) is movable between a first position in which it is adapted to transmit motion in a single direction of rotation of the rotational subassembly (29), and a second position in which it is adapted to transmit motion in two directions of rotation of the rotational subassembly (29).