Modular Food Processor With Magnetic Accessory Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food processing machines in industrial kitchens are limited in their functional versatility and safety, requiring separate machines for different operations like cutting, emulsifying, and chopping, and lack efficient mechanisms for accessory changes and safety protocols.
Innovation Solution
A combined food processing machine with a motor block, electronic control board, and magnetic sensors that allows for quick accessory changes, automatic mode detection, and enhanced safety features, enabling multiple functions like cutting, emulsifying, and chopping with secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different food processing operations (cutting, emulsifying, chopping), then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal food processing machine with a single motor block that can perform multiple functions (cutting, emulsifying, chopping) by accepting different accessories. The motor block is designed with a standardized interface that accommodates various accessories through quick-change mechanisms, allowing one machine to replace multiple specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is divided into modular components: a fixed motor block and detachable accessories. This segmentation allows the functional versatility to be achieved through combination of modules rather than through a single complex integrated system, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining multi-functionality.
2Productivity
If accessories are quickly changed on the machine, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but safety risks increase due to frequent user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The machine requires preliminary actions to be completed before operation: the accessory must be fully anchored in the correct position, and detectors must verify proper installation. The control system prevents motor activation until these preliminary safety conditions are met, ensuring that quick changes do not compromise safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Detection means (sensors) provide feedback to the control system about the accessory installation state. The control system receives signals from detectors that monitor whether the accessory is properly anchored and positioned, and only allows motor operation when safety conditions are confirmed, creating a feedback loop that maintains safety during frequent accessory changes.
3Ease of operation
If detection means are integrated to automatically identify accessories, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means are integrated into the accessory or motor block interface, allowing the system to automatically identify the installed accessory type and configure appropriate parameters without user intervention. The detectors self-verify the accessory installation state and provide automatic feedback to the control system, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means are merged with the mechanical interface components (locking elements, anchoring mechanisms) rather than being separate add-on sensors. This integration reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions (mechanical anchoring and electrical detection) into unified components at the interface between motor block and accessory.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If safety devices are implemented to prohibit motor start-up under certain conditions, then user safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to additional safety protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system operates autonomously through automatic detection and control logic. The detectors continuously monitor safety conditions (accessory anchoring state, lid position), and the control system automatically prohibits motor start-up when unsafe conditions are detected, without requiring user awareness or manual safety checks. The system serves its own safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives continuous feedback from detectors about the machine state and automatically adjusts operation accordingly. Safety protocols are implemented through feedback loops that monitor critical parameters and prevent motor activation when detection means indicate unsafe conditions, making safety an automatic consequence of system design rather than a manual procedure.
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 fast and safe operation of multiple food processing functions by automatically adjusting parameters based on detected accessories, ensuring maximum user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A set of detectors, also included in the interior of the motor block, which transmit electrical signals to said electronic control board, allow the coupled accessory to be identified
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a combined food processing machine which accepts the incorporation of multiple accessories and a fast anchoring and fixing device which can be actuated by a user to secure an accessory to said machine. The invention also includes multiple detectors, particularly magnetic, for the purpose of automatically identifying the type of accessory which has been secured to the machine and determining the operating condition of said accessory.