Portable Food Processor Pull-Rod Drive for Easier Chopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors are inconvenient to operate due to complex structures and require more effort to chop food efficiently, resulting in lower chopping efficiency and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A portable food processor design featuring a pull rod mechanism with a gear rack and transmission device that allows for easier operation by using a reciprocating motion, increasing the transmission ratio and incorporating a clutch for one-directional rotation, along with a strainer basket and blade assembly for efficient food processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand knob is used to rotate the shaft with blades, then the food processor can chop food, but the structure becomes more complex and the size of the knob increases, making it more difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hand knob rotation mechanism with a pull rod reciprocating motion mechanism. The pull rod moves back and forth linearly, which drives the transmission device (gears and gear rack) to rotate the food processing member. This substitution of rotational input with linear reciprocating input simplifies the external interface while maintaining the internal mechanical complexity needed for high drive ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the input (knob), the invention inverts the approach by using linear reciprocating motion of the pull rod as input. This inversion changes the type of motion required from the user, making it more convenient while the internal gear mechanism converts this linear motion into rotational motion of the blades.
2Power
If a higher drive ratio is required, then the transmission capability is improved, but the size of the knob in the center of the cover increases, making it more difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission device is segmented into multiple gear stages (first gear, second gear, third gear, fourth gear, and gear rack) distributed within the cover. This segmentation allows the high drive ratio to be achieved through multiple smaller gear reductions rather than one large knob, distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple compact components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission gears are nested within the cover structure, with each gear stage contained within the housing of the previous stage. This nesting arrangement compactly accommodates the complex transmission mechanism required for high drive ratio without increasing the overall size of the input interface, making the device easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Productivity
If the food encounters less resistance, then the chopping efficiency is improved, but the hand turning of the knob requires more effort to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hand knob rotation with a pull rod reciprocating mechanism. The elastic member (spring) integrated into the pull rod system provides mechanical assistance, storing and releasing energy to reduce the effort required by the user. This substitution, combined with the high drive ratio transmission, allows efficient chopping with reduced operating effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member (spring) in the pull rod mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by storing energy during the outward stroke and releasing it during the inward stroke. This pre-stored energy assists in overcoming the resistance encountered by the food during chopping, reducing the effort the user must exert while maintaining high chopping 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 design enhances operational convenience and chopping efficiency by reducing the effort required for food processing and increasing the transmission ratio, while maintaining efficient food processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member adapted for being elongated when pulling and returned to its original position when relaxing is mounted between another end of the said pull rod and the said cover
Implementation Method 2
the said pull rod comprises a gear rack which is adapted to mesh with gear and gear rack of the said transmission device
Implementation Method 3
the said transmission device is adapted to be driven by the said driving member and then drive the said food processing member be rotated relative to the said container, wherein the driving member is a pull rod member... increasing the transmission ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A portable food processor includes a container for containing food, a food processing component and a container cover component. The food processing component is arranged inside the container and rotates relative to the container. The container cover component is fixed to cover an opening of the container and includes a cover body, a driving component arranged in the top of the cover body and a transmission mechanism arranged in the cover body. The driving component drives the food processing component to rotate relative to the container through the transmission mechanism. The driving component is a pull rod component which includes a chute arranged in the top of the cover body and a pull rod arranged in the chute. The pull rod is provided with a rack to mesh with a gear of the transmission mechanism. The pull rod is pulled in a reciprocating manner to operate.