Food-preparation device suitable for extracting juice and/or coulis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food preparation devices with rotary cutting tools are not well-suited for processing soft and/or juicy foods, as they allow juices and small particles to reach the transmission member, leading to potential damage and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A food preparation device design featuring a rotary work tool with an annular rib and recess arrangement around the transmission member, along with a chimney for introducing food, which prevents juices and particles from reaching the transmission member, and includes a retention member to manage liquids, promoting better operation and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rotary cutting tool is used for food processing, then hard foods can be sliced and minced effectively, but soft and juicy foods generate juice and small particles that reach the transmission member causing damage and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood processing capabilityVSAvoidtransmission member protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a food introduction zone through the chimney, a processing zone with the rotary tool, and a protected zone for the transmission member. The annular recess and baffle wall create a segmentation barrier that separates the juice-generating processing area from the transmission member area, allowing the device to process juicy foods while protecting the transmission system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An annular baffle wall is introduced as an intermediary element between the chimney and the transmission member. This baffle wall, positioned within the annular recess, acts as a mediator that blocks the direct path of juices and small particles toward the transmission member while allowing the rotary tool to process foods effectively. The baffle creates a physical barrier that intercepts harmful substances before they reach the transmission system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the housing structure is modified to prevent juice progression, then transmission member protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission member protectionVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The annular recess and annular baffle wall are merged into a single integrated structural element that forms part of the housing. This combined structure serves multiple functions: it creates the protective barrier against juices, defines the processing chamber geometry, and provides mounting support for the rotary tool. By merging these elements, the design achieves reliable transmission member protection without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular recess structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective barrier for the transmission member, defines the spatial arrangement of the processing chamber, and provides structural support for the rotary tool assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable juice containment

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

Data Source

PatentEP2949247B1Food-preparation device suitable for extracting juice and/or coulis
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 SEB SA
  • EP2949247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2949247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2949247B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a food-preparation device which includes: a rotary tool (30) which includes a drive end portion (31) and a sidewall (32) from the drive end portion (31). A housing (20) defines a cavity (21). The housing (20) has a pipe (23) opening into the cavity (21). The housing (20) carries a transmission member (25). The end drive portion (31) of the tool (30) mounted in the cavity (21) is engaged with the transmission member (25) for driving the tool (30) to rotate. The cavity ( 21) has an annular recess (40) arranged around the transmission member (25). The annular recess (40) is arranged between the transmission member (25) and the pipe (23). According to the invention, the drive end portion (31) has an annular rib (50) extending within the annular recess (40).