Food preparation apparatus for cutting foods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food preparation apparatuses lack the ability to adjust chopping parameters such as cutting speed and feed 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 apparatus with a rotatable chopping tool and a control unit that sets target parameters for chopping processes based on provided information, including food properties, to ensure optimal chopping conditions, providing real-time feedback to the user and automatically adjusting the chopping tool's rotation speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed chopping parameters are used for all foods, then the device structure is simple, but the chopping quality deteriorates for different food types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment mechanismVSAvoidchopping quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment by allowing the chopping speed and feed force to be automatically adapted based on the detected food type. The control unit modifies operational parameters in real-time during the chopping process, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to different food characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters (chopping speed, feed force) based on the food type being processed. Soft foods receive lower speeds and forces, while hard foods receive higher speeds and forces, optimizing chopping quality for each specific food category without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual parameter setting based on user experience is used, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of chopping results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidchopping result consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the control unit detects the food type (either through user input or automatic detection) and adjusts the chopping parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures consistent, reliable results by automatically compensating for variations in food properties, eliminating dependence on user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic food type detection and parameter selection, making the device self-sufficient. The control unit independently determines the appropriate chopping settings based on detected food characteristics, removing the need for user expertise in parameter selection while ensuring reliable, consistent results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If high feed force is applied to all foods, then the chopping efficiency is high, but soft foods are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechopping speedVSAvoidfood damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different feed forces and chopping speeds tailored to the specific food type being processed. Soft foods receive gentler, localized treatment with lower forces, while hard foods receive more intensive processing with higher forces, ensuring each food type is handled according to its specific requirements without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the feed force parameter based on the detected food type. For soft foods, the feed force is reduced to prevent damage, while for hard foods, the feed force is increased to maintain high chopping efficiency, optimizing both productivity and food integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for a reproducible and user-friendly chopping process, minimizing the impact of user error and external influences, ensuring that soft and hard foods are chopped effectively without damage.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable chopping tool (4) for chopping foods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the chopping tool (4) is arranged or arrangeable relative to a vessel (2) in such a way that, after chopping by means of the chopping tool (4), a food falls down due to gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20220007894A1Food preparation apparatus for cutting foods

Publication Date: 2022.01.13 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a food preparation apparatus with a rotatable chopping tool for chopping foods having a control unit. The chopping tool is arranged or arrangeable relative to a vessel in such a way that foods chopped by means of the chopping tool are transported downwards by gravity to be collected in the vessel. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for chopping a food using a food preparation apparatus, a computer program product, and a use of a chopping attachment. A food preparation apparatus comprises a control unit configured to set a target parameter of a chopping process of a food by means of the chopping tool taking into account provided information. In this way, a particularly good and reproducible chopping result is achieved.