Food Processor Transmission for Dual-Tool Speed Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors often require multiple motors or complex gearing systems to rotate multiple processing tools at different speeds and directions, which can be cumbersome and prone to damage, with limited flexibility in changing speed ratios and tool configurations.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system is integrated within the food-containing volume of a food processor, allowing a single motor to drive multiple processing tools at different speeds and directions using a planetary gear system, with interchangeable transmission assemblies for varying speed ratios, and enabling easy replacement of damaged components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors or complex gearing systems are used to rotate multiple processing tools at different speeds and directions, then the processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple processing tools (blade assembly and whisk assembly) into a single integrated processing assembly that is driven by one motor through one shaft connection. The transmission system integrates multiple gearing mechanisms (first gear system for the blade assembly and second gear system for the whisk assembly) into a unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple independent motors and simplifying the overall drive system while maintaining the ability to rotate multiple tools at different speeds and directions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors or complex gearing systems are used to rotate multiple processing tools at different speeds and directions, then the processing capability is improved, but the reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple drive systems into a single integrated transmission system driven by one motor, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. The unified structure with one shaft connection and integrated gear systems eliminates the complexity and potential points of failure associated with multiple independent motors and separate gearing systems, thereby improving reliability while maintaining processing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed transmission systems are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidspeed ratio flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates interchangeable transmission assemblies that can be replaced to change speed ratios and tool configurations. The processing assembly is designed with a modular transmission system where different gear configurations can be swapped out, allowing the same basic structure to adapt to different processing needs and speed requirements without requiring a completely new design, thus balancing manufacturing simplicity with operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex gearing systems are used, then the processing capability is improved, but the ease of repair decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transmission system into modular, interchangeable assemblies that can be easily removed and replaced. The processing assembly is structured so that the transmission components can be accessed and swapped without disassembling the entire device, making maintenance and repair straightforward while still providing the complex gearing functionality needed for multiple processing tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies the operation of food processors by allowing multiple tool configurations with a single shaft connection, provides flexibility in speed ratios, and facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of transmission systems, enhancing processing efficiency and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

A transmission system is integrated within the food-containing volume of a food processor, allowing a single motor to drive multiple processing tools at different speeds and directions using a planetary gear system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear system: Epicyclic Gearing

Data Source

PatentUS9149156B2Food processor
Publication Date: 2015.10.06 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
  • US9149156B2 patent drawing
  • US9149156B2 patent drawing
  • US9149156B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Food processing assemblies for rotating two processing tools inside a container at two different speeds and/or directions and methods for using such a processing assembly are disclosed. The two processing tools are vertically spaced along the longitudinal axis of the processing assembly. A motor drives the first processing tool and a transmission system, and the transmission system drives the second processing tool. The transmission system outputs a rotation speed and/or direction is different from that of the motor to drive the second processing tool. The transmission system may be located between the two processing tools within the food-containing volume of the container.