Food Processor Peeling Mechanism for Garlic Skin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food processing appliances do not efficiently peel fruits and vegetables, particularly garlic, which can be difficult to handle due to their tough skins, and lack the capability to perform multiple processing operations like chopping, slicing, and mincing in a single device.
Innovation Solution
A food processor appliance with a receptacle and actuator system that peels, chops, slices, and minces foodstuffs, including garlic, by using a peel drive mechanism to detach skins and a cut drive mechanism to process the peeled items, while maintaining hygiene by separating skins and preventing odor transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual peeling methods (fingernails, knife) are used, then the skin can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical peeling actions (fingernails, knife) with an automated mechanical system consisting of a receptacle that moves against a stationary surface to crush and peel the garlic skin automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service peeling where the garlic skin peels itself through the mechanical action of the receptacle crushing the clove against the stationary surface, eliminating the need for manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single appliance performs multiple operations (peeling, chopping, slicing, dicing, mincing), then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional device where a single appliance performs peeling, chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing operations through different configurations of cutting members and adjustable receptacle positions
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the processing functions into distinct components: a receptacle for holding food, cutting members for various cutting operations, and adjustable mechanisms for different processing modes, allowing each component to be optimized independently
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor including a receptacle configured to receive foodstuffs having a skin or peel, a first actuator operably coupled to the receptacle defining a first food processing range of motion, the receptacle selectively movable within the first food processing range of motion, and a second actuator operably coupled to a cutting member disposed in vertical juxtaposition to the receptacle, the cutting member selectively movable within a second food processing range of motion.