Food Processor Rotor Freewheel Design to Reduce Initial Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices face challenges such as high initial torque requirements for cutting hard foods and limited angle of pivoting knives, leading to inefficient processing and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An active insert with a torque-locked drive interface and a freewheel mechanism that allows working means to rotate in one direction while decoupling during reverse rotation, reducing torque transmission and protecting equipment from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pivotable blades are arranged on the central rotor axis to reduce initial torque, then the initial torque required to cut hard foods is reduced, but the angle around which the knives are freely pivotable is limited and comparatively small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the blade assembly dynamically adjustable through a freewheel mechanism. The blades can pivot from a rest position to a working position during operation, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment enables the blades to achieve optimal cutting angles while maintaining reduced initial torque requirements, as the blades engage progressively rather than all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the pivot angle parameter of the blades. The freewheel mechanism allows the blade assembly to change its angular position from a stored rest position to an active working position. This parameter change enables the system to optimize cutting performance for different food types and processing conditions, effectively increasing adaptability without compromising the reduced initial torque benefit.
2Stability of the object's composition
If blades are fixed on the support axis to ensure stable rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but the ability to reduce initial torque through pivoting is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic blade assembly that combines elements of both fixed and pivotable configurations. The freewheel mechanism allows the blades to be fixed relative to the support axis during normal rotation, ensuring stability, while enabling temporary pivoting during engagement to reduce initial torque. This dynamic system transitions between fixed and movable states based on operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the blade assembly in a rest position before operation, where the blades are preliminarily aligned at an angle to the cutting direction. This preliminary positioning reduces the initial torque shock when cutting begins, as the blades gradually engage the material rather than all simultaneously. The freewheel mechanism facilitates this preliminary positioning while maintaining rotational stability during operation.
3Power
If the drive interface directly connects to the support axis for efficient torque transmission, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage from incorrect manipulation or reverse rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a freewheel mechanism as an intermediary element between the drive interface and the support axis. This intermediary component allows efficient torque transmission in the forward direction while automatically disengaging during reverse rotation or incorrect manipulation. The freewheel acts as a protective mediator that preserves power transmission efficiency during normal operation while preventing damage from abnormal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of reverse rotation into a beneficial protective feature. When reverse rotation occurs, the freewheel mechanism automatically disengages, preventing damage to the drive interface and support axis. This transforms what could be a harmful condition (reverse rotation) into a safe operational state, where the mechanism naturally protects itself without requiring complex control systems or sensors.
4Productivity
If all blades are arranged radially and fixed to maximize cutting efficiency, then cutting performance is improved, but the initial torque required to engage all blades simultaneously increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the blade assembly at an angle to the cutting direction before engagement. This preliminary angular positioning ensures that blades engage the material progressively rather than all simultaneously, reducing the initial torque shock. The freewheel mechanism facilitates this staged engagement while maintaining the radial arrangement of blades for optimal cutting efficiency during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the blade assembly to transition from a rest position to a working position during operation. This dynamic transition enables the blades to engage progressively, reducing initial torque requirements, while maintaining their radial configuration for efficient cutting. The freewheel mechanism enables this dynamic positioning without compromising the structural integrity or cutting performance of the radially arranged blades.
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 solution reduces the risk of malfunctions and increases processing variability by allowing efficient cutting of hard foods with reduced initial torque and protecting sensitive equipment from incorrect manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
which can be decoupled from the drive interface with respect to its rotational movement by means of a freewheel when the direction of rotation of the drive interface is reversed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an operative insert (10) for a device for processing foods and to a device for processing foods comprising such an operative insert, said device having a receptacle for the operative insert that is driven rotationally about an axis of rotation (R), to which receptacle the operative insert (10) can be detachably fastened in a torque-locked manner by means of a drive interface (20), wherein the operative insert (10) bears at least one working means (31, 32), which can be driven rotationally in a working direction by the drive interface (20) and which can be decoupled from the drive interface in regard to the rotational motion by a freewheel (40) when the direction of rotation of the drive interface (20) is reversed.