Food Processor Jug Positioning Using Off-Centred Projecting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk processing machines face challenges in user operation errors and require improved control mechanisms, especially when preparing frothed or heated milk-based beverages, which can lead to inefficient processing and cleaning issues due to the presence of mechanical and electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a mechanically and electrically passive jug with a removable lid, integrated into a base with a thermal conditioner and actuator, utilizing an off-centred projecting member and seat for secure positioning, and a control system to prevent sub-optimal processing and detect misplacement, ensuring easy cleaning and ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical stirring appliance with heating capability is used to prepare frothed milk, then the beverage preparation function is improved, but cleaning complexity increases due to food residue and burnt protein deposition on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is divided into separable components: a removable jug/container that can be detached from the base. This segmentation allows the jug to be easily removed for cleaning, separating the cleaning task from the base unit and reducing overall cleaning complexity while maintaining beverage preparation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element and thermal management components are extracted into the base unit, while the jug remains as a separate, cleanable component. This extraction allows the jug to be removed and cleaned independently, reducing the complexity of cleaning the entire appliance
2Ease of manufacture
If the jug is made mechanically and electrically passive, then ease of cleaning is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the base and jug. The base contains magnetic drive means that magnetically couple with a hub in the jug, allowing rotational control of the jug contents without direct mechanical connection. This intermediary mechanism maintains control precision while keeping the jug mechanically passive and easy to clean
Solution Approach 2:
Direct mechanical connections between the base and jug are replaced with magnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners or direct contact points on the jug, maintaining control precision through magnetic fields while keeping the jug structurally simple and easy to clean
3Stability of the object's composition
If an off-centred projecting member and seat arrangement is used, then positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jug and base incorporate an off-centred projecting member on the jug and a corresponding off-centred seat on the base. This asymmetric arrangement creates a unique fit that guides the jug into the correct position on the base, improving positioning stability through geometric constraint rather than complex mechanical locking 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
The solution provides a foolproof arrangement for processing milk or milk-based substances, ensuring stable operation, easy cleaning, and ergonomic handling, while preventing improper positioning and sub-optimal processing, thus enhancing user safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a base that has one or more walls forming a seat for removably receiving the container... integrated into a base with a thermal conditioner
Implementation Method 2
drive and control means which are in a cavity located between the inner tank and the outer stand... magnetically driven stirring systems
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for processing a liquid food substance includes: a jug (20) having a container (21) and delimiting a food cavity (21′) for containing the liquid food substance; and a base (10) that has one or more walls (11) forming a seat (11′) for removably receiving the container (21). The base (10) and the jug (20) comprise or delimit, respectively, an off-centred projecting member (33) and a corresponding off-centred seat (13) for the projecting member (33) or vice versa. The off-centred seat (13) is configured to receive the projecting member (33) when the container (21) is received by the base seat (11′) such that the container (21) is in place for processing the liquid food substance. The off-centred projecting member (33) is configured to maintain the container (21) off its place for processing the liquid food substance in the cavity (21′) when the projecting member (33) is off-set relative to the off-centred seat (13).