Food Processor Lid and Blade Assembly for Fast Access and Safe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors are inconvenient due to the time-consuming process of untwisting lids and bowls from the base, potential insecurity during use, and the need to remove the blade assembly for storage, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design featuring a jar with a hinge-connected lid and a rotatable shaft-powered blade assembly that can be easily secured to the base, allowing for quick access to the processing chamber and safe storage by rotating the blade assembly into a non-use position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is twisted onto the bowl/jar to create a secure seal, then the food processing chamber is securely sealed, but it takes additional time to untwist the lid to access the food processing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is transformed from a static twisted-on component to a dynamic hinge-connected component that can pivot between open and closed positions. The hinge mechanism allows the lid to swing freely for quick access while the latch provides secure closure when needed, eliminating the time-consuming twisting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly is segmented into the lid body, hinge mechanism, and latch mechanism as separate functional components. This segmentation allows the lid to be connected via hinge for easy opening while the latch provides independent securing capability, resolving the contradiction between quick access and secure sealing.
2Reliability
If the bowl/jar is twisted onto the base to secure it, then the bowl/jar is securely attached, but it takes additional time to untwist the bowl/jar from the base
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is changed from a static twisted-on connection to a dynamic push-on/push-off system with push pins. The jar can be quickly attached by pushing it onto the base and secured by engaging push pins, then quickly removed by releasing the pins, eliminating the time-consuming twisting motion while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into the jar opening, base receiving structure, and removable push pins. This allows the jar to be quickly positioned on the base while the push pins provide independent securing, enabling fast attachment and detachment without twisting.
3Ease of operation
If the blade assembly is left in the use position for storage, then no additional steps are needed, but it poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is transformed from a static fixed component to a dynamic rotatable component that can pivot between use and storage positions. The spring mechanism provides automatic rotation to the safe storage position when the jar is removed from the base, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly automatically rotates to the safe storage position through the spring mechanism when the jar is removed from the base, without requiring user action. This self-service safety feature resolves the contradiction between convenience and safety by making the safe state the default state.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade assembly is removed from the food processor during storage, then safety is improved, but additional steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is made rotatable rather than requiring complete removal. It can be quickly rotated to a safe storage position that keeps it attached to the processor, providing both safety and convenience without the need for disassembly or removal steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor for processing food stuffs having a base assembly, a jar assembly, and a blade assembly that can be rotated from a use position to a stored position is disclosed. The food processor includes a lid that is connected to the jar assembly by a hinge and closed by use of a latch. The jar assembly is connected to the base assembly by the use of push pins on the base assembly which engage corresponding holes on the jar assembly.