Food Processor Movable-Arm Braking to Reduce Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation appliances with mechanical braking systems are always active, leading to significant energy losses during use.
Innovation Solution
A braking system for a rotary work tool with a wheel carried by a movable arm that can occupy either an engaged or disengaged position, using a compressible elastic element to brake the tool only when necessary, and a spring-return mechanism to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the braking system is permanently active to ensure rapid braking and safety, then safety and reliability are improved, but energy losses increase significantly during use
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system transitions from a static permanently-active state to a dynamic state that can switch between engaged and disengaged positions. The movable arm carrying the wheel allows the braking system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, being engaged only when rapid braking is needed for safety and disengaged during normal operation to minimize energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system operates periodically rather than continuously, engaging the wheel on the tread only when safety requires rapid braking and disengaging it during normal operation. This periodic engagement minimizes energy losses while maintaining the capability for rapid braking when needed.
2Reliability
If the wheel is always in contact with the tread to provide continuous braking capability, then braking effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact between the wheel and tread changes from continuous to dynamic, with the movable arm allowing the wheel to be positioned in contact with the tread only when braking effectiveness is required. During normal operation, the wheel is separated from the tread, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the capability for effective braking when needed.
3Loss of energy
If the braking system is disengaged during normal operation to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but safety response time may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm and wheel assembly are pre-positioned and ready to engage with the tread immediately when braking is required. The mechanical configuration allows for rapid transition from disengaged to engaged position, ensuring that safety response time is not compromised even though the system remains disengaged during normal operation to maintain energy efficiency.
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 braking system is only active when required, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and ensuring reliable, durable braking while maintaining safety by engaging automatically when the cover is opened.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel comprises a compressible element made of elastic material which rolls, while being compressed, on the tread
Implementation Method 2
the arm is returned to the engaged position by a return member, preferably consisting of a spring
Implementation Method 3
the wheel comprises a compressible element made of elastic material which rolls, while being compressed, on the tread
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Electrical household food preparation appliance comprising a housing comprising a motor connected to a drive device for a rotary work tool, said drive device being provided with a braking system comprising a wheel (8) which rolls on a tread (64) provided on a rotary member (65) integral in rotation with an output shaft of the drive device, characterized in that said wheel (8) is carried by a movable arm (82) which can occupy an engaged position in which the wheel (8) is in contact with the tread (64) and a disengaged position in which the wheel (8) is separated from the tread (64).