Food Processor Base Venting With Integrated Baffle for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processor bases fail to effectively reduce noise emitted by the motor and vibrations, as previous noise reduction methods, such as enclosures and baffles, are either ineffective or complex and difficult to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A base design featuring a baffle projection integrated into the bottom surface with a support flange creating an internal cavity, and outlet ports and exhaust vents positioned on opposing sides of the baffle, which redirects airflow and noise, making it simpler to manufacture and more effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an enclosure is provided around the container to contain noise, then noise from the container is reduced, but noise from the motor in the base is not addressed and the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise from containerVSAvoidenclosure design
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction approach is segmented into two distinct parts: (1) an enclosure for the container to address container-related noise, and (2) a separate base design with integrated baffle and exhaust vent configuration to address motor-related noise. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific noise source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A baffle structure is introduced as an intermediary element within the base, positioned between the motor and the exhaust vent. This baffle redirects the airflow path and prevents direct transmission of motor noise through the exhaust airflow to the exterior, effectively mediating the noise transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If cooling air is forced out through an air exhaust, then motor cooling is achieved, but noise carried by the airflow is amplified and emitted to the exterior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor temperatureVSAvoidnoise emission
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle serves as an intermediary structure that intercepts and redirects the cooling airflow before it exits through the exhaust vent. By positioning the baffle between the motor area and the exhaust vent, the airflow path is modified to reduce the direct carry-over of motor noise to the exterior while maintaining the cooling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust vent is positioned at an angle or in a different spatial dimension relative to the motor and baffle configuration. This dimensional repositioning allows the exhaust to discharge cooling air effectively while the baffle blocks the direct line-of-sight path for noise transmission, separating the cooling function from the noise emission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a baffle is provided within the base to suppress noise, then noise reduction is achieved, but the design becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise suppressionVSAvoidbaffle design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle structure is merged with the base housing itself rather than being a separate, complex component. The baffle is formed as an integrated feature of the base, utilizing the existing base geometry and manufacturing processes, which simplifies production while maintaining effective noise suppression functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the motor, provides structural support, and incorporates the noise-reducing baffle feature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate noise control components, simplifying both design and manufacturing while achieving effective noise suppression.

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

4Ease of operation

If the base and its components are allowed to vibrate, then motor operation is straightforward, but additional noise is generated through vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor operationVSAvoidvibration noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noise-generating vibration is extracted and isolated from the base structure through the baffle configuration. By redirecting airflow and creating acoustic barriers, the baffle prevents vibration-induced noise from being transmitted through the base to the exterior, allowing the motor to operate freely while minimizing noise transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The design significantly reduces noise transfer to the environment by redirecting airflow and noise within the base, ensuring efficient motor cooling while maintaining a cost-effective and straightforward manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

the baffle projection and outlet port and exhaust vent act to redirect airflow and noise within the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

The vibrations created by the operating motor cause the base itself, and other components within the base, to vibrate, thereby generating additional noise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The airflow exiting the base of the food processor carries the noise created therein during operation of the food processor to the exterior of the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow:

Data Source

PatentEP2384136B1Base for a food processor
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 VITA MIX CORP
  • EP2384136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2384136B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A base (10) for a food processor housing a motor and including controls (26) for operation of the food processor. The base (10) includes an air intake (28), an air exhaust (36), and a baffle (38), wherein the air exhaust (36) and baffle (38) are formed as a part of the bottom (20) of the food processor base (10) and act to reduce the sound emitted by the food processor. The bottom (20) of the food processor base includes an internal cavity (30) defined partially by a support flange (32) where heated air is exhausted. The air is then forced to change directions before exiting through exhaust ports (36).