Food Processor Tool Bearing for Rapid Lid-Removal Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Food processing devices with high-speed rotational tools pose safety risks due to continued high-speed operation after being switched off, as existing braking mechanisms fail to effectively stop the tool within the required 1.5 seconds when the lid is removed, especially at high speeds like 12000-15000 rpm, leading to potential user injury and tool ejection.

Innovation Solution

A food processing device design featuring a central shaft with a bearing part having a two-edge contact zone that jams against the central shaft during pivotal movement, utilizing a cylindrical bearing part with tapered zones and an elastic material to ensure rapid stopping within 1.5 seconds, even at high rotational speeds, by canting the processing tool unit against the central shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a brake ring made of rubber is used for braking at regular speed, then braking action is effective, but at high rotational speeds the brake ring has no effect and the tool drive means is ejected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speedVSAvoidbraking effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the braking mechanism from friction-based (brake ring) to geometry-based (canting edges). The bearing part is designed with edges that cant against the central shaft during pivotal movement, creating a mechanical jamming effect that is independent of rotational speed. This geometric parameter change ensures reliable braking at both regular and high speeds (12000-15000 rpm).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the friction-based braking system (brake ring relying on friction) with a mechanical interlocking system (canting edges jamming against the central shaft). This substitution eliminates the speed-dependent limitation of friction braking, as the mechanical jamming effect remains effective regardless of rotational speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the processing tool unit is allowed to pivot freely for cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but the tool continues to rotate at high speed causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoiduser injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary anti-action by designing the bearing part with canting edges that automatically engage with the central shaft when pivotal movement begins. This pre-configured geometric feature ensures that as soon as the tool unit pivots (for cleaning or lid removal), the edges jam against the shaft, immediately counteracting the rotational motion and preventing high-speed rotation during operations when the tool should be stationary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing part's geometry enables self-service braking - the canting edges automatically jam against the central shaft when pivotal movement occurs, without requiring external braking mechanisms or user intervention. The system self-regulates its own speed based on its geometric design, stopping the tool automatically when the lid is removed or during cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If high rotational speeds are used for efficient chopping, then productivity is improved, but the braking distance increases and tool ejection becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechopping efficiencyVSAvoidstopping time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of braking from friction-based deceleration to geometry-based mechanical jamming. The canting edges of the bearing part are designed to engage with the central shaft at specific angles during pivotal movement, creating an immediate mechanical lock that stops the tool regardless of its rotational speed. This parameter change reduces stopping time from potentially several seconds to a fraction of a second, even at 12000-15000 rpm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of high-speed rotation (which makes braking difficult) into a beneficial geometric engagement. The centrifugal forces and rotational momentum that previously caused tool ejection are now harnessed to press the canting edges of the bearing part against the central shaft, ensuring positive mechanical engagement and rapid stopping. The high speed operation itself contributes to the effectiveness of the braking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution effectively stops the processing tool unit within 1.5 seconds when the lid is removed, ensuring user safety and preventing tool ejection, while maintaining stability and efficiency during regular operation, and reducing noise through the use of an elastic material.

Implementation Method 1

a bearing part is provided inside the cavity, the bearing part having a predetermined shape on its inner surface for jamming with the central shaft during the pivotal movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

reducing noise through the use of an elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1912547B1Food processing device
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP1912547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1912547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1912547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To have the tool (410a,b) of a food processing device stop (1) within 1,5 seconds after removal of the lid (2), a food processing device (1) is proposed, the food processing device (1) comprising a container (2) comprising a central shaft (200) fixedly mounted on the container bottom (201), a lid (3) covering the container (2), and a processing tool unit (4) supporting a food processing tool (410a,b), its upper end (400) being couplable with a drive unit through the lid (3), its lower end (401) having an elongated cavity (402) for rotatably engaging with the central shaft (200) and allowing for pivotal movement about the axis (A) of the central shaft (200), wherein a bearing part (403) is provided inside the cavity (402), the bearing part (403) having a predetermined shape (405, 407, 408) on its inner surface for jamming with the central shaft (200) during the pivotal movement.