An insert for a kitchen device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for fixing smoothie filters in kitchen devices are inefficient in preventing vibration and spilling, often requiring additional holding mechanisms that increase production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A smoothie filter insert designed with two contact areas, one near the processing tool and another near the lid, made of a homogeneous flexible material that follows the inner contour of the processing vessel, providing a secure fixation without the need for external holding means, and featuring distinct contact regions with weakening features for enhanced elasticity and vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking mechanisms are placed on the processing vessel and/or lid to fix the insert, then the insert is secured into position, but the sealing is not sufficiently tight and vibration is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is made of flexible material that can deform elastically to conform to the inner contour of the processing vessel. This flexibility allows the insert to create a tight sealing connection with the vessel wall, preventing vibration and spilling while maintaining secure fixation without additional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert utilizes elastic deformation parameter changes to adapt its shape and maintain continuous contact with the processing vessel inner surface. This elastic parameter change enables the insert to absorb vibrations and maintain a tight seal throughout operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic components are added to the insert to provide vibration absorbing connection, then vibration is reduced, but the insert becomes more complex and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-absorbing function is merged directly into the insert body by making the entire insert from flexible material. This eliminates the need for separate elastic components and reduces structural complexity while maintaining vibration absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is constructed from homogeneous flexible material throughout, providing uniform vibration absorption properties across the entire structure. This homogeneous design simplifies manufacturing compared to composite structures with multiple materials and components.
3Reliability
If multiple materials are used in the insert design, then specific functions are improved, but the insert becomes more difficult to recycle and produce
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is made from a single homogeneous flexible material, which simplifies manufacturing processes and makes the entire insert recyclable. This homogeneous construction maintains sufficient functionality for fixation, sealing, and vibration absorption without requiring multiple materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The homogeneous material construction enables the entire insert to be easily recovered and recycled as a single material type, eliminating the complexity of separating and processing multiple different materials that would otherwise be required.
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 provides a cost-effective, efficient, and stable fixation of the insert, reducing vibration and spilling, while simplifying production and recycling, and allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The insert in its second contact area is made of a homogeneous flexible material and is designed to follow closely the inner contour of the processing vessel so as to engage the processing vessel when inserted in the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An insert (2) to be fitted into the processing vessel (3) of a motorized kitchen device (1), such as a smoothie filter for a blender, that is fixed into operating position within the processing vessel (3), without the need for a designated holding means positioned on the processing vessel (3), said insert (2) contacting the processing vessel (2) in at least two general areas, the first contact area (4) being in the region of the processing tool (6), such as a blade, and the second contact area (5) in the region near the opposite end of the processing vessel, such as the circumference (7) of the processing vessel (3) near the lid (8) area wherein the insert (2) in its second contact area (5) is made of a homogeneous flexible material and is designed to follow closely the inner contour of the processing vessel (3) so as to engage the processing vessel (3) when inserted in the axial direction with regard to the axis of rotation of the processing tool (6), resulting in fixation of the insert (2) into operating position.