Food Comminution System with Modular Cutting Tool for Whole Vegetables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food comminution devices have limited versatility and cannot efficiently process whole vegetables or fruits without prior cutting, restricting their usage.

Innovation Solution

A food comminution system with an additional comminution tool that can be coupled to the device, allowing for different comminution methods like slicing and grating, and featuring a fastening mechanism that secures the tool without altering the device's base or actuating parts, enabling the processing of whole items like cucumbers or zucchinis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a food comminution device with a cutting grid is used, then it can effectively cut food items, but it cannot process whole vegetables or fruits without prior cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the food comminution device to perform multiple cutting operations through different attachment configurations. The device can switch between using a cutting grid for traditional comminution and a cutting part for processing whole vegetables, making it versatile enough to handle various food items without requiring separate appliances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the food comminution device into modular components: a base part, an actuating part, and interchangeable cutting attachments (cutting grid and cutting part). This segmentation allows the device to adapt its function by attaching different components, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional comminution tool is added to enhance functionality, then processing versatility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomminution methodsVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the additional comminution tool with the existing device structure by integrating it into the articulation mechanism between the base part and actuating part. The tool is positioned to be automatically engaged during the normal pressing motion, combining multiple functions without adding separate operating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The additional comminution tool is designed to provide grating functionality while sharing the same attachment interface and actuation mechanism as the cutting grid, allowing the device to perform multiple comminution methods (cutting, grating) through a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3725476B1Food comminution system
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 GENIUS GMBH
  • EP3725476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3725476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a food grinding system comprising a food grinding device with a base part having a receptacle for a cutting element, and with an actuating element pivotally connected to the base part, which can be pivoted from an insertion position against the cutting element to a closed position and subsequently from the closed position back to the insertion position for pushing food to be ground through a cutting element inserted into the receptacle, wherein the food grinding device has a coupling device for attaching a container. The food grinding system is characterized by an additional grinding tool which can be fixed in a working position on the food grinding device and which has a further coupling device for attaching a container.