Extrusion assembly for a micro puree machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro puree machines face challenges in safely extruding ingredients due to the risk of damage from hard or unprocessed contents, which can lead to drive train damage and other mechanical issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a plunger drive inhibitor and/or decoupler, which can utilize a slip clutch assembly or torsion spring to restrict input torque if the force encountered by the plunger exceeds a predetermined safe limit, thereby protecting the extrusion drive train.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the plunger is used to extrude ingredients from the bowl, then the extrusion function is achieved, but damage can occur to the drive train and other components if the contents are too hard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextrusion functionVSAvoiddrive train damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a slip clutch assembly that acts as a protective mechanism before damage can occur. The clutch plates are designed to slip relative to each other when excessive force is detected, preventing the transmission of damaging torque to the drive train components. This prior cushioning approach protects the system by anticipating and mitigating potential damage before it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The slip clutch assembly serves as an intermediary between the manual lever and the extrusion drive train. It mediates the force transmission by allowing controlled slippage when force exceeds safe limits, thus protecting the drive train while still enabling normal extrusion operation. The clutch plates act as the intermediary element that can selectively transmit or block torque based on the load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If more force is applied to move the plunger through hard contents, then extrusion may be achieved, but damage occurs to gears, leadscrew, motor and other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplunger extrusion forceVSAvoidcomponent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The slip clutch assembly provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned in the force transmission path between the manual lever and the drive train components. When excessive force is applied during plunger operation, the clutch plates slip to absorb and limit the force, preventing damage to gears, leadscrew, and motor before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful excessive force into a beneficial protective mechanism. The slip clutch is designed to slip under excessive load conditions, transforming the harmful high-force situation into a controlled slippage event that protects the drive train. The friction between clutch plates converts excessive mechanical energy into heat, preventing damage transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a slip clutch assembly is used to restrict input torque, then drive train protection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive train protectionVSAvoidextrusion assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slip clutch assembly is designed to be self-regulating and self-protecting. It automatically slips when excessive force is detected without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex electronics. The friction-based mechanism self-adjusts based on the load conditions, providing protection while maintaining relatively simple construction compared to electronically controlled protective systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution effectively prevents damage to the extrusion drive train and other components by limiting excessive force input, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the micro puree machine.

Implementation Method 1

a slip clutch assembly (which may be referred to herein as simply a 'slip clutch') in which a first clutch plate and a second clutch plate rotate together to transfer rotational force to the extrusion drive train during normal use, and the clutch plates slip relative to one another when the level of force exceeds the predetermined safe limit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the plunger drive inhibitor and/or decoupler utilizes a torsion spring to restrict input force from reaching the extrusion drive train if the force required to move the plunger is above a level deemed to be safe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250064079A1Extrusion assembly for a micro puree machine

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

An extrusion assembly for a micro puree machine is disclosed. The extrusion assembly includes a plunger drive inhibitor configured to restrict input torque applied to the extrusion assembly from transferring to the extrusion drive train and the extrusion plunger. The plunger drive inhibitor may be implemented with various mechanisms, including a slip clutch assembly (with or without a frictional cone brake), a torsion spring, and/or an automated slip clutch assembly configured to cut power to the extrusion drive train when slipping of the clutch plates is detected.