Food processing device with an externally operated adjustment mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the cutting thickness of food items during processing, requiring users to manually change settings or use multiple attachments, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design featuring a cutting assembly with a rotating disk and blade that can be adjusted in position using a screw-type drive assembly or gear mechanism, allowing for external control to change the cutting thickness while the motor is operational, enabling quick adjustment between multiple cutting positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a food processor uses a fixed cutting assembly, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the cutting thickness cannot be adjusted during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the rotating disk to be repositioned relative to the cutting blade during operation. The mechanism includes a movable disk positioned by a drive shaft that can be adjusted along the axis, enabling continuous variation of cutting thickness while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive shaft serves as an intermediary component between the motor and the rotating disk, providing a mechanical interface that enables thickness adjustment. The drive shaft can be repositioned along the axial direction to change the distance between the cutting blade and the rotating disk, thereby controlling the cutting thickness without requiring direct manual intervention in the cutting mechanism.
2Productivity
If the cutting assembly requires manual repositioning, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the operational flow of the food processor, allowing users to adjust cutting thickness during normal operation without stopping the motor or requiring complex disassembly. The drive shaft can be repositioned while the system is running, enabling continuous productivity while maintaining ease of adjustment through a self-contained mechanical system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting attachments are provided for different thicknesses, then cutting versatility is achieved, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The food processor employs a single rotating disk that can be repositioned to multiple positions along the axial direction, allowing one component to perform multiple cutting thickness functions. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple separate attachments while maintaining the ability to produce various cutting thicknesses through mechanical repositioning of the disk relative to the cutting blade.
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
Enables seamless adjustment of cutting thickness without stopping the motor, providing versatility and convenience in processing different food items with varying thickness requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment assembly includes a first sleeve secured to the base, a second sleeve rotatively coupled to the first sleeve, and a user-operated control device operable to rotate the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve to move the cutting assembly between the plurality of cutting positions. In some embodiments, the first sleeve may have an externally-threaded body, and the second sleeve may have an internally-threaded body positioned over the externally-threaded body of the first sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
A food processor design featuring a cutting assembly with a rotating disk and blade that can be adjusted in position using a screw-type drive assembly or gear mechanism, allowing for external control to change the cutting thickness while the motor is operational
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. An adjustment assembly positioned in the base is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor.