Universal Food Processor Blade Assembly for Uniform Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors have limited capability to achieve uniform processing of food preparations, leading to isolated mixing zones and inconsistent particle sizes, especially with finely divided solids and low-density fluids, and are inefficient in handling viscous materials.
Innovation Solution
A universal blade apparatus with geometrically different blades and accessories that can be mounted together in a food processor, featuring paddles, wings, and a spiral slit for secure coupling, allowing for efficient chopping, whipping, and aeration, ensuring thorough and controlled processing of various food types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional single-blade configurations are used in food processors, then the device structure remains simple, but the processing uniformity and homogeneity deteriorate due to isolated mixing zones and inconsistent particle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into multiple geometrically different blades (e.g., S-shaped blades, flat blades, blades with varying radii) arranged at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows each blade to target specific zones within the food preparation, eliminating isolated mixing zones and ensuring uniform processing throughout the entire volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Different blades within the assembly have locally optimized geometries tailored to their specific positions and functions. For example, S-shaped blades are positioned to create top-to-bottom circulation, while flat blades handle radial mixing. This local quality optimization ensures that each region of the food preparation receives appropriate processing action, achieving homogeneous results.
2Productivity
If blades operate at fixed high speed, then processing efficiency is improved, but handling of viscous materials deteriorates due to overly violent mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly incorporates elements that can dynamically adapt to different operating conditions. The geometrically different blades create varied flow patterns that automatically adjust to the viscosity of the material being processed. Less viscous materials experience more intense mixing, while viscous materials receive gentler, more controlled action, eliminating the need for speed adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mixing parameters through its multi-blade geometry rather than through speed variation. The different blade shapes and positions create a spectrum of mixing intensities within the same operational speed, allowing the system to handle both low-viscosity and high-viscosity materials effectively without sacrificing processing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate utensils are used for different food processing tasks, then each utensil can be optimized for its specific function, but space requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The food processor blade assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can perform multiple food processing tasks simultaneously. The geometrically different blades are configured to handle various operations including chopping, mixing, whipping, and processing viscous materials, replacing the need for multiple separate utensils and reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple blade functions are merged into a single integrated assembly. The S-shaped blades, flat blades, and other geometric variations are combined in one structure that rotates together, creating a unified tool that performs the functions of what would traditionally require separate utensils, thereby saving space and reducing costs.
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 apparatus achieves uniform cutting and whipping of food preparations within seconds, with longer operation producing finer cuts, and efficiently handles different food types and consistencies, improving homogeneity and reducing processing time.
Implementation Method 1
at least one blade having free ends, and a central utensil comprising: a two-ended shaft and a base, the shaft culminating on a first end with a spindle operationally coupleable to a food processor motor, and connected on the second end to a base coupleable to a food processor bawl, and the paddles, blades and wings coupled to the central utensil
Implementation Method 2
The top blade pulls ingredients and air into the mixture to be mixed. The resultant mixture has a heterogeneous, rather than homogenous, and textured consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
Food processing utensil comprising: paddles, central utensil comprising: shaft coupleable to food processor motor, and connected to base coupleable to food processor bowl, and cutting blades, the paddles coupled to the central utensil and the blades configured to allow uniform cutting of food, providing paddles are not on blades.