Dynamic Bowl Cover Sealing Ring for Multi-Size Food Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Countertop food processors require a separate lid for each bowl size due to their rigid nature and fixed locking mechanisms, making it inconvenient to have a single lid that can securely fit multiple bowl sizes, especially when bowls are nested.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sealing ring with accordion-like folds is mounted to the lid, allowing it to compress and expand, providing a downward force that accommodates varying bowl rim heights, enabling a single lid to fit multiple bowl sizes, including nested configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sealing mechanism is used to ensure a secure fit, then sealing reliability is improved, but adaptability to different bowl sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and size. The bellows configuration allows the sealing ring to expand and contract vertically, enabling it to conform to different bowl rim heights while maintaining reliable sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid sealing components with a flexible sealing ring made of elastomeric material. This flexible shell can deform to accommodate varying bowl dimensions while maintaining sealing integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a single lid design is used for multiple bowl sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly with the flexible bellows sealing ring is designed to universally fit multiple bowl sizes (5-quart, 3-quart, and 2-quart bowls). The flexible sealing mechanism allows one lid design to perform the sealing function across different bowl configurations, reducing the number of lids needed from three to one while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible sealing ring with bellows configuration is used, then adaptability to different bowl sizes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring's physical parameters (shape, volume, height) are made variable through the bellows configuration. By designing the folding pattern and material properties, the sealing ring can change its effective dimensions to match different bowl sizes, achieving adaptability while the manufacturing precision is managed through standardized fold patterns.
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 flexible sealing ring ensures a secure seal across different bowl sizes and configurations, enhancing convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple lids while maintaining safety and hygiene during food processing.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing ring has folds that flex in a bellows fashion so that it may be compressed vertically and will return to original shape by the material's spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor bowl 1 has a pouring lip 2, a sidewall 4, a handle 5, a floor 6 and bowl neck 7 with an opening 3. The bowl 1 has an upper rim 8 and pair of hinge slots 9, 10 adapted to receive corresponding hinge pins 17, 18 that are attached to the cover 13. The bowl neck 7 is adapted to receive a driven motor shaft (not shown) through its opening 3. A conventional blade assembly (not shown) is mounted to the driven shaft to rotate therewith in order to chop and mix food product.