Food Processor Reversible Slicing Disc for Multi-Function Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors require multiple cutting discs for different operations like slicing, shredding, and dicing, which is inconvenient and inefficient, as users need to swap discs frequently.

Innovation Solution

A food processor with a reversible motor and a slice selector disc that automatically adjusts the direction of the slicing disc for slicing, shredding, and dicing operations, allowing a single cutting disc to perform multiple functions based on user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cutting discs are used for different operations (slicing, shredding, dicing), then the food processor can perform various cutting functions, but the device complexity increases and users need to frequently swap discs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting function versatilityVSAvoidnumber of cutting discs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slicing disc is designed with multiple functional surfaces: one side has slicing blades for slicing operation, while the opposite side has shredding blades for shredding operation. The selector disc mechanism allows the user to rotate the slicing disc to engage different blade configurations with the food input, enabling a single disc to perform multiple cutting functions (slicing, shredding, and dicing when combined with the food pusher)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The slicing disc is made rotatable in both directions (clockwise and counter-clockwise) depending on the selected operation. The motor automatically reverses rotation direction based on the position of the selector disc, allowing the same physical disc to dynamically adapt its function by changing rotation direction and blade engagement configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cutting discs are used for different operations, then various cutting functions are available, but the ease of operation decreases due to frequent disc swapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting function versatilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the appropriate rotation direction and engages the correct blade configuration based on the selector disc position. When the user selects slicing, shredding, or dicing operation via the selector disc, the motor automatically reverses direction as needed and the corresponding blades are engaged, eliminating the need for manual disc swapping and making the system self-adjusting to user preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The slicing disc dynamically switches between different operational modes (slicing, shredding, dicing) by rotating in different directions and engaging different blade sides. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to provide various cutting functions without requiring physical disc changes, significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single cutting disc is used for multiple operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper blade configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cutting discsVSAvoidblade configuration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slicing disc is segmented into distinct functional zones: slicing blades on one side and shredding blades on the opposite side. The selector disc is also segmented with positioning features that align with specific blade configurations. This segmentation allows each side of the slicing disc to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular blade attachment or integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3130264B1Food processor with slice selector disc
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 SUNBEAN PROD INC
  • EP3130264B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3130264B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3130264B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A food processor including a reversible motor disposed in a base for generating a rotational force, a processor container removably attached to the base, a spindle rotated by the reversible motor when energized, and a slicing disc rotatably coupled to the spindle, the slicing disc having a radially extending slicing blade formed on one side thereof configured to perform a slicing operation and a plurality radially extending shredding blades disposed oppositely to the slicing blade on the slicing disc configured to perform a shredding operation. The slicing disc is automatically rotated in a first direction by the motor when the first and third discrete positions are selected on a slice selector disc corresponding to the slicing and dicing operations and automatically rotated in a second direction by the motor when the second discrete position is selected on the slice selector disc corresponding to the shredding operation.