Food Processor with Rotary Power Tool Coupling for Portable Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processing devices are either manually operated or require direct connection to an electric power source, limiting their portability and usability both indoors and outdoors.
Innovation Solution
A portable food processing device comprising a food processing container, a tool with blades, a coupling unit, and a driver, where the driver is a rotary power tool that connects through a connector and coupling unit, allowing for efficient chopping of food without needing a direct electric power source, with a mechanism that prevents debris from contaminating the processed food.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional food processing devices are manually operated, then portability is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated rotary power tool system. The driver (rotary power tool) provides automated rotational motion to the food processing tool, eliminating the need for manual cranking or pushing while maintaining portability through battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling unit as an intermediary component that connects the rotary power tool to the food processing tool. This coupling unit adapts the rotational output of the power tool to drive the food processing blades, enabling automated operation while maintaining the portable structure.
2Weight of moving object
If battery operated food processing devices are used, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal coupling unit that can interface with different rotary power tools (drills, impact drivers, etc.). This single coupling design works with multiple types of drivers, reducing the need for device-specific components and thereby reducing overall system complexity despite using battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the food processing device into separate modular components: a food processing container, a food processing tool with blades, a coupling unit, and a removable battery-operated driver. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connector allows free rotation, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connector system where the food processing tool can rotate freely within the coupling unit during operation. The connector maintains a stable mechanical connection through engagement features (such as a pin fitting into a slot or keyed connection) that allow rotational movement while preventing lateral displacement or detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the rotational freedom function from the connection stability function. The connection stability is provided by fixed engagement features in the connector, while the rotational freedom is enabled by allowing the food processing tool shaft to rotate independently within the coupled connection, extracting these two requirements into separate mechanical features.
Data Source
AI summary
A food processing device capable of chopping foodstuff can be used indoors and suitable to be used outdoors. The device may include a food processing container with a base, a wall, and a removable lid with an opening and a pass-through aperture, the base having a cylindrical protrusion and a pin extending therefrom; a food processing tool with a shaft and a plurality of blades, the food processing tool is configured to be connected to the pin extending from the base; a connector; a coupling unit having a wall and a slidable member; and a driver The connector may be configured to connect the food processing tool to the coupling unit. The coupling unit may be configured to connect the connector to the driver.