Food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processors lack a refrigeration function, which limits their ability to keep food fresh or prepare it effectively.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with a cold energy generator that includes a heat-transfer element, heat sink, and hot air vent port, integrated with a container that conducts cold energy to maintain food freshness, featuring a Peltier element for generating cold energy and a bowl-shaped refrigeration space for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional food processors are used, then food processing functions are provided, but refrigeration function is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration function with the food processing function by integrating a cold energy generator into the food processor body. The cold energy generator includes heat transfer elements that contact the container to provide cooling, merging two previously separate functions (processing and refrigeration) into a single integrated device, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The food processor is designed to perform multiple functions: food processing via the processing member and refrigeration via the cold energy generator. The container serves dual purposes as both the food storage vessel and the interface for cold energy transfer, embodying multi-functionality that addresses the lack of refrigeration in conventional processors
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cold energy generator is integrated into the food processor, then refrigeration function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold energy generator is segmented into distinct functional components: heat transfer elements for cooling, a heat sink for heat dissipation, and a hot air vent port for exhaust. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall integration into the food processor structure
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary between the cold energy generator and the food items. The heat transfer elements contact the container to transfer cold energy, which then cools the food items indirectly. This intermediary approach allows the refrigeration system to be integrated without direct contact between the cooling mechanism and the food, simplifying the overall design
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 the maintenance of food freshness and efficient preparation by providing a refrigeration function, allowing for the processing and storage of food items while keeping them fresh for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The heat-transfer element may include a Peltier element, the Peltier element having a heat-generating surface facing the heat sink and a heat-absorbing surface facing the container.
Implementation Method 2
The container may include a conductive plate for conducting cold energy provided by the cold energy generator to the food-containing space by coming into contact with the cold energy generator.
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink for supporting the heat-transfer element and dissipating heat generated from the heat-transfer element
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor includes: a main body; and a container that forms a food-containing space for containing food items and is detachably mounted to the main body, wherein the main body comprises a cold energy generator for transmitting cold energy to the container by coming into contact with at least part of the container, with the container mounted on the main body.