Food processing tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual folding of ingredients in food processing is challenging, as it requires skill to avoid over or under folding, leading to unsatisfactory results such as incomplete mixing or failure of baked goods to rise properly.
Innovation Solution
A food processing tool with a casing and gear means that attaches to an electric food processor, featuring dependent blade members configured to simulate the gentle folding action of a spoon, using an epicyclic gearbox to rotate at a controlled speed (15-60 rpm) to fold ingredients without expelling air, with optional rotating blades for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual folding with a spoon is used, then the gentle folding action can be achieved, but it requires skill and practice to avoid over or under folding
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows the user to simply attach the tool to the food processor, set the speed, and run it for a predetermined time. The device then autonomously performs the folding action with consistent results, eliminating the need for user skill or continuous adjustment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies operating parameters including speed range (15-60 rpm) and predetermined time duration. By controlling these parameters, the device achieves reliable folding results without requiring user expertise in judging the folding state.
2Productivity
If a food processor is used to mix ingredients, then mixing speed and productivity are improved, but air is expelled from the mix
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates at controlled low speeds (15-60 rpm) compared to typical food processors. This parameter change enables automated mixing while maintaining gentle action that preserves air in the mixture, which is critical for leavening.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses two blade members rotating in opposite directions that gently lift and turn ingredients. This dynamic action simulates manual folding motion, providing automated mixing without the harsh high-speed rotation that expels air.
3Productivity
If automated folding tool is introduced, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a casing part that attaches to the food processor and removable blade members. This segmentation simplifies cleaning and maintenance while enabling automated folding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the existing food processor motor and drive mechanism, adapting it for gentle folding rather than high-speed mixing. This multi-functionality approach avoids requiring a completely separate automated device, reducing overall complexity.
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 tool automates the folding process, ensuring reliable and efficient mixing of ingredients, even for inexperienced users, by replicating the gentle action of manual folding while minimizing air expulsion, thus improving the consistency and quality of the final product.
Implementation Method 1
the gear means comprises first and second gear wheels configured as an epicyclic gearbox
Data Source
AI summary
A tool intended as an attachment or accessory for a food processor and configured to automate the delicate operation of folding ingredients together without expelling air is described. The tool includes first and second curved blades which depend from a casing part that is rotated within a processing bowl by means of a geared arrangement that picks up rotary drive from a drive shaft coupled to a driven outlet on the base of the food processor. The blades are disposed at different distances from the axis about which the casing rotates, so that the outer blade passes closer to the wall of the bowl than does the inner blade.