Food Processor Cutting Assembly for On-the-Fly Slice Thickness Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processors lack the ability to efficiently adjust cutting thickness during operation, limiting versatility in processing different food items.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with an electronically-controlled adjustment assembly that moves a cutting assembly between multiple positions, driven by a motor and actuator system, allowing for varying cutting thickness based on rotational speed and user input, enabling the production of food items of different thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting assembly is fixed at a single position, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility in processing different food items is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting assembly is made dynamically adjustable between multiple positions during operation. The actuator system enables the cutting assembly to move between at least two different positions, allowing the cutting thickness to be changed while the food processor is running, thus providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The food processor is designed to perform multiple cutting thickness functions using a single device. By enabling the cutting assembly to assume multiple positions, the device can process different food items requiring different thicknesses, making one machine universal for various cutting needs
2Productivity
If the cutting thickness is adjusted by stopping the motor, then the adjustment can be made safely, but the productivity is reduced due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism allows the cutting thickness to be changed while the motor continues to run without interruption. The actuator system is designed to enable position changes during operation, maintaining continuous productivity while achieving the adjustment function
Solution Approach 2:
An actuator system serves as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the cutting assembly. This intermediary enables safe and controlled adjustment of the cutting assembly position during operation, mediating between the need for continuous operation and the need for safe adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is added to change cutting thickness during operation, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is integrated within the existing food processor structure, with components nested within the housing and drive mechanism. The adjustment assembly is compactly arranged within the available space, minimizing additional complexity while enabling the versatility function
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is merged with the existing drive mechanism. The actuator system combines the thickness adjustment function with the motor-driven cutting operation, integrating multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding completely separate mechanisms
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 the processor to produce food items of varying thicknesses during operation, enhancing versatility and user control without interrupting the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator operable to move the cutting assembly between the plurality of cutting positions, and an electronic controller electrically coupled to the actuator
Implementation Method 2
The cutting assembly may further include a spring positioned between the cutting blade and the rotating disk. The spring may bias the rotating disk in a first cutting position
Implementation Method 3
The actuator may further include a bearing positioned between the body and the rotating disk. The bearing may be configured to permit the rotating disk to rotate relative to the body of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly that is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor.