Kitchen Appliance Food Processor with Rotatable Outlet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen appliances with rotating drives and interchangeable tools face limitations in multi-step food processing, requiring frequent tool changes and unsuitable tools for operations like slicing or grating, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional appliances.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen appliance design featuring a food processor that rotates between two indexed positions, allowing for continuous processing without interrupting tool operation, with a ratchet mechanism for misalignment prevention and a detachable bayonet coupling for easy storage and safety, along with separate drive mechanisms for the processor and tool mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a kitchen appliance uses a single rotating drive with interchangeable tools, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent tool changes and interruptions in multi-step food processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive system into two independent rotating drives: a first drive for the tool mount and a second drive for the food processor. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently without requiring tool changes, thereby maintaining productivity while keeping individual drive mechanisms simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the first drive operates the tool mount for various food processing tools, while the second drive operates the food processor for slicing or grating. Both drives share a common control interface and can be independently selected, providing universal functionality without increasing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If the food processor is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases as the outlet cannot be positioned at different places for different processing configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the food processor rotatable about a fixed axis between two indexed positions, allowing the outlet to be dynamically positioned at different locations. The first position directs processed food into the bowl, while the second position directs it away from the bowl, providing adaptability without complex mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The food processor can be rotated between two discrete positions using a ratchet mechanism with detents, creating a periodic positioning system. This allows the outlet to alternately face the bowl or away from it, providing versatile positioning capability through simple indexed rotation.
3Reliability
If the food processor is permanently mounted to the base unit, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in detachment for storage and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a bayonet coupling arrangement that allows the food processor to be easily detached from the base unit by rotating it to a third position where the coupling disengages. This provides both secure mounting during operation and simple removal for storage or cleaning, balancing reliability with ease of operation.
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
Enables efficient multi-step food processing without tool changes, preventing accidental detachment and allowing for simultaneous processing operations, enhancing user convenience and appliance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A ratchet mechanism may be arranged to index the two positions. The ratchet mechanism may comprise a protrusion arranged to cooperate with an annular cam having corresponding detents for receiving the protrusion at the first and second positions.
Implementation Method 2
The food processor may be arranged to be mounted to the base via a bayonet coupling arrangement provided on the base unit and food processor.
Data Source
AI summary
A kitchen appliance (1), comprising: a base unit (100); and a food processor (500) having an outlet (416) for outputting processed food; wherein the food processor (500) is arranged to be mounted on the base unit (100) for operation such that it is capable of movement between two operating positions, whereby the outlet (416) is positionable at two different places.