Food Processor Pusher Interlock Mechanism for Motor Safety Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Food processors with larger feed tubes face issues of unwanted vibration and extra stress on components due to larger blades and motors, which can compromise safety and performance.

Innovation Solution

A safety rail mechanism on the pusher device that cooperates with a longitudinal slot in the food processor's lid, preventing the motor from operating unless the pusher is correctly inserted, along with a display screen indicating when the pusher is not present, and additional features like bayonet features and bushing assemblies for vibration reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a larger feed tube is used to accommodate more and larger ingredients, then productivity and convenience are improved, but unwanted vibration and extra stress on components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood preparation timeVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating vibration-damping elements (elastomeric material) into the feed tube assembly before operation. The elastomeric material is positioned to absorb and dampen vibrations generated by the motor and blade assembly during food processing, thereby reducing unwanted vibration while maintaining the benefits of a larger feed tube capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a safety interlock device is added to prevent injury, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsafety mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the safety interlock function with the existing feed tube and pusher assembly. The safety mechanism is integrated into the structural components already present in the food processor, combining the feed tube, pusher, and safety interlock into a unified assembly. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety interlock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the pusher assembly. When the pusher is correctly inserted, it automatically engages the safety rail and activates the interlock switch without requiring additional user actions or complex control systems. The mechanism serves itself by using the natural insertion motion of the pusher to trigger the safety function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If larger blades and motors are used to handle larger ingredients, then productivity is improved, but extra stress on components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood preparation timeVSAvoidcomponent stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric material in the feed tube assembly serves as a cushioning element that absorbs and dampens vibrations and stresses generated by the motor and blade assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects components from excessive stress and vibration, allowing larger motors and blades to be used without compromising component durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUSRE48305E1Food processor with safety mechanism

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 BREVILLE HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

A food processor is provided with a wide feed tube. The food processor has a pusher that cooperates with a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism comprises a linkage assembly that prevents the food processor's motor from operating unless the pusher is inserted into the feed tube.