Food Processor Adaptor for Offset-Axis Continuous Spiralising
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices require high user input and suffer from usability issues, are often dedicated single-purpose tools, and lack the ability for continuous sequential processing of ingredients.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor for a food processor that supports a cutting tool to rotate offset from the drive axis, allowing continuous spiralising of ingredients without manual reloading, and includes a frame that fits within the food processor bowl, with a support structure that prevents rotation and bodily movement, and a transmission mechanism to transmit drive from the processor's rotating drive to the cutting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated single-purpose spiralising device is used, then spiralising function is achieved, but device complexity and lack of versatility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor enables a standard food processor to perform spiralising by providing an offset mounting mechanism that positions the cutting tool away from the drive axis. This allows the existing food processor to achieve spiralising capability without requiring a dedicated single-purpose device, thereby improving versatility while avoiding the complexity of designing and manufacturing a completely new appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary component between the food processor's drive mechanism and the cutting tool. It includes an offset mounting structure with a drive interface that receives the rotating drive and transmits rotation to the cutting tool mounted at an offset location, enabling spiralising function through this intermediate mechanism rather than requiring direct integration.
2Productivity
If manual reloading is required after processing one ingredient, then simple device structure is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor enables continuous processing by allowing multiple cutting tools to be mounted on the same offset axis. Once one cutting tool completes its task, another can be quickly swapped in without requiring manual reloading of the entire device or interruption of the food processor's operation, maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor provides a dynamic mounting system where cutting tools can be easily exchanged at the offset mounting location. The drive interface and mounting mechanism are designed to accommodate tool changes while maintaining the offset positioning, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to different processing needs without resetting the entire device.
3Ease of operation
If high user input is required for operation, then simple device structure is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor enables self-service operation by integrating the cutting tool mounting and drive transmission mechanisms in a way that allows users to easily attach and detach cutting tools without requiring complex adjustments or high levels of technical input. The offset mounting structure with standardized drive interface enables users to perform tool changes independently and efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptor for a food processor comprising a rotating drive, the adaptor being in the form of a frame, said adaptor comprising: a formation for enabling the frame to be supported by the food processor; and a support for a cutting tool, wherein the frame is arranged to permit the cutting tool to pick up drive from the rotating drive so as to allow the cutting tool to rotate about an axis that is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotating drive.