Food processing device with an externally operated adjustment mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processors lack the ability to easily adjust cutting thickness during operation, limiting versatility in processing food items of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design featuring a cutting assembly with a rotating disk and blade, where the disk is upwardly and downwardly movable relative to the blade, and an adjustment assembly with a user-operated control device, such as a lever or motor, allows for external adjustment of cutting thickness while the cutting assembly is driven by a motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting assembly is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the cutting thickness cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between multiple fixed cutting positions. The adjustment assembly enables the cutting assembly to transition from a static fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and thickness adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct components: an adjustment assembly with threaded sleeves and a control device. This segmentation allows the complex adjustment function to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a monolithic complex mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting assembly is made adjustable, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The control device directly operates the threaded sleeves to move the cutting assembly, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment mechanisms or multiple adjustment steps, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded sleeves act as intermediaries between the control device and the cutting assembly. This intermediary mechanism translates simple rotational motion of the control device into precise linear displacement of the cutting assembly, making the adjustment process easy to operate.
3Productivity
If the cutting thickness is adjusted during operation, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability may deteriorate due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting assembly incorporates dynamically adjustable positioning that maintains mechanical stability. The adjustment assembly uses threaded connections and bearing-supported shafts to ensure that even during operation, the cutting assembly remains securely positioned, preventing reliability issues while enabling continuous productivity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism uses simple, robust components like threaded sleeves and standard bearings that are easy to replace if needed. This approach ensures high reliability through simplicity and ease of maintenance rather than through complex durable mechanisms.
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 production of food items of varying thicknesses without interrupting the cutting process, enhancing the processor's versatility and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the first sleeve may have an externally-threaded body, and the second sleeve may have an internally-threaded body positioned over the externally-threaded body of the first sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. An adjustment assembly positioned in the base is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor.