Food Processor Insert and Sieve for Uniform Particle Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices produce non-uniformly sized products due to uneven contact with rotating knives, making it difficult to achieve a desired size, especially with softer materials, and lack efficient mechanisms for controlling the processing time.
Innovation Solution
An insert and sieve system for food processors, where the insert features apertures and protrusions for controlled food passage, allowing for uniform processing and preventing over-processing, combined with a sieve that enhances food flow and assembly guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating knife is used to chop food in a bowl, then the material size is reduced, but the product size becomes non-uniform and processing time cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the processing system into distinct functional zones: a processing volume with a rotating knife for size reduction, and a container volume separated by a sieve with apertures. The sieve segments the continuous processing space, allowing controlled passage of uniformly sized particles while retaining larger pieces for further processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve acts as an intermediary element between the processing tool and the final product collection. It mediates the size separation by allowing only particles smaller than the aperture dimensions to pass through, ensuring uniform product size while maintaining efficient processing.
2Productivity
If food is continuously processed in a bowl with a rotating knife, then material is reduced in size, but over-processing occurs and processing time cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve provides immediate feedback on particle size by allowing uniformly sized particles to pass through while retaining larger pieces. This creates a natural feedback mechanism where the processing continues only until particles reach the desired size, preventing over-processing and enabling precise time control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve is pre-configured with specific aperture sizes that define the target particle size before processing begins. This preliminary setup establishes the stopping criterion for processing, allowing users to achieve consistent results without needing to monitor processing time continuously.
3Manufacturing precision
If an insert with apertures is added to control food passage, then uniform processing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a size separation mechanism, a structural support for the insert, and a guide for food flow. The insert also provides structural support and defines the processing volume. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert and sieve are combined into an integrated assembly where the insert is positioned within the sieve structure. This merging of components creates a compact unit that provides both size control and structural support functions, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an insert and sieve for use with a food processor having a processing tool, the insert comprising a disc having at least one aperture for the passage of food previously processed by the processing tool and, wherein in the disc is configured to be locatable in a sieve and be removable therefrom. Other aspects are included herein.