Food Chopper Control Unit for Adaptive Cutting Speed and Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation devices lack the ability to adjust chopping parameters such as speed and force based on the specific properties of the food being chopped, leading to inconsistent results and potential damage to soft foods.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation device with a rotatable chopping tool and a control unit that determines target parameters for the chopping process based on information about the food, allowing for individual adaptation of the chopping process to the specific properties of the food, minimizing user error and ensuring a reproducible shredding result.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed chopping parameters are used for all foods, then the device structure is simple, but the chopping result is inconsistent and soft foods are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of chopping parameters (speed, feed force) based on the type of food being processed. The control unit automatically adapts the chopping parameters to match the specific properties of each food item, transitioning from fixed to dynamic parameter control to achieve consistent chopping results across different food types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives information about the food type and automatically adjusts the chopping parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the chopping process adapts to the specific requirements of each food item, preventing damage to soft foods while maintaining efficiency for harder foods.
2Manufacturing precision
If user experience-based parameter setting is used, then the device is easy to operate, but incorrect settings lead to poor chopping results
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines and adjusts the chopping parameters based on the food type without requiring the user to manually set complex parameters. The system performs self-adjustment by selecting appropriate speed and feed force settings based on the specific food being processed, eliminating the need for user expertise in parameter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic parameter changes based on food type classification. The control unit stores and retrieves optimal parameter sets for different food categories, automatically switching between predefined parameter combinations to ensure optimal chopping results without requiring user intervention in parameter adjustment.
3Productivity
If high feed force is applied to all foods, then the chopping process is efficient, but soft foods are destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different feed force levels tailored to the specific food type being processed. Soft foods receive reduced feed force to prevent damage, while harder foods receive higher feed force for efficient processing. This localized adaptation of force application ensures optimal results for each food category without compromising productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the feed force parameter based on the identified food type. By automatically changing the feed force level to match the specific requirements of each food item, the system maintains high productivity for appropriate foods while preventing damage to soft, delicate items.
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 device achieves a consistent and reproducible chopping result by adjusting cutting speed and force according to the food's properties, reducing damage to soft foods and improving user-friendliness by automatically controlling the chopping process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable chopping tool for chopping food
Implementation Method 2
food chopped up by means of the chopping tool is transported downwards due to gravity in order to be collected in the vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a food preparation appliance (1) with a rotatable grinding tool (4) for grinding food and a control unit. The grinding tool is arranged, or can be arranged, relative to a container (2) such that the ground food is transported downwards by gravity by means of the grinding tool (4) to be collected in the container (2). The invention further relates to a method for grinding food using a food preparation appliance (1), a computer program, and the use of a grinding attachment (20). A food preparation appliance (1) includes a control unit configured to define a target parameter (12) for the grinding process of food using the grinding tool (4), taking into account provided information. In this way, a particularly good and reproducible grinding result is achieved.