Food Processor External Slicing Disc Adjustment Using Rotatable Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices require users to turn them off and remove the blade assembly to manually adjust the slicing thickness, which is inconvenient and limits functionality.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with an external slicing disc adjustment mechanism, featuring a rotatable lever and linear screw drive that allows users to adjust the spacing between the slicing disc and blade from outside the work bowl, enabling slice thickness control without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blade assembly is removed to manually adjust the slicing thickness, then the slicing thickness can be adjusted, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The slicing disc is designed with self-adjusting mechanisms where the disc itself contains adjustment features that allow users to modify slicing thickness without removing the blade assembly. The disc includes adjustable positioning elements that can be modified while the assembly remains installed in the food processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be accessible and operable before the slicing operation begins, allowing users to set the desired thickness in advance. The external adjustment features are positioned so that thickness can be configured prior to loading and processing food items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blade assembly is removed for adjustment, then the slicing thickness can be changed, but the device complexity increases due to disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The slicing disc is divided into functional segments including the disc body, adjustable positioning elements, and retaining features. These segmented components work together to provide adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that requires no disassembly of the blade assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slicing disc incorporates dynamic adjustment features that allow the disc position or orientation to be changed during operation. The adjustable positioning elements enable users to modify slicing thickness by moving components within the existing assembly rather than disassembling it.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is required, then slicing thickness can be controlled, but the functionality is limited by the need to power down the device
Solution Approach 1:
The slicing disc includes intermediary adjustment elements such as positioning ridges, slots, or indexed features that mediate between the user's adjustment action and the final slice thickness. These intermediary features provide precise control while allowing adjustment to be made conveniently without powering down the device.
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 convenient and external adjustment of slicing thickness, enhancing user experience and expanding functionality by allowing slice thickness adjustment without powering down the device.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism includes a rotatable lever accessible form outside the work bowl
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor having an external slicing disc adjustment mechanism is provided. The food processor includes a work bowl and a lid configured to be selectively removable therefrom. The food processor further includes a slicing disc having a disc body and a slicing blade internal to the work bowl, and a mechanism for adjusting a spacing between the disc body and slicing blade. The mechanism includes a rotatable lever accessible form outside the work bowl.