External Thickness Control for Adjustable Food Processor Cutting Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices lack the ability to easily adjust the cutting thickness of food items, limiting versatility in processing different types of food.
Innovation Solution
A food processing device with a rotating disk and cutting blade assembly that includes an adjustment mechanism, allowing the rotating disk to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the cutting blade, controlled by a user-operated control knob outside the processing chamber, enabling adjustment of cutting thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control knob is positioned inside the processing chamber, then the adjustment mechanism can be integrated compactly, but the user cannot adjust cutting thickness without removing the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The control knob is extended from the internal adjustment mechanism into a third dimension through the lid, allowing user access from outside the processing chamber while maintaining compact internal integration. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction by providing external accessibility without increasing internal complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating disk is fixed relative to the cutting blade, then the device structure is simpler, but the cutting thickness cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk is made dynamically adjustable relative to the cutting blade through a threaded engagement mechanism. The disk can be rotated to change its vertical position, thereby adjusting the cutting thickness. This dynamic capability provides versatility while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure.
3Ease of operation
If the control knob extends through the lid, then user access is improved, but the lid structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented to include a dedicated opening or slot that accommodates the control knob extension. This segmentation allows the control knob to pass through while maintaining the integrity and manufacturability of the lid structure, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and manufacturing simplicity.
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 the user to produce food items of varying thicknesses without removing the lid, enhancing the device's versatility and ease of use by allowing for thicker or thinner cuts based on user preference.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating disk may include a central hub having a plurality of external threads formed thereon... The control knob may have a plurality of internal threads that are engaged with the plurality of external threads of the central hub
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is positionable between a plurality of cutting positions to produce cut food items of varying thicknesses. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly operable to move the cutting assembly between the plurality of cutting positions. The adjustment assembly includes a user-operated control device that is secured to the cutting assembly. The user-operated control device extends through a slot defined in the removable lid such that an upper end of the user-operated control device is positioned outside of the processing chamber.