Food Processor Cutting Assembly With On-The-Fly Thickness Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack the ability to easily adjust cutting thickness during operation, limiting user flexibility in processing different food items.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with a cutting assembly that includes a rotating disk and cutting blade, where the rotating disk is upwardly and downwardly movable relative to the cutting blade, and an adjustment assembly with an actuator that allows the user to control the cutting thickness by moving the disk between multiple positions while the motor-driven cutting assembly is in operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting assembly operates with a fixed rotating disk position, then the cutting process is simple and stable, but the user cannot adjust the cutting thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk is designed to be movable between multiple fixed positions relative to the cutting blade, allowing the cutting thickness to be adjusted dynamically during operation. The actuator mechanism enables the disk to shift axially to different positions, transforming a static cutting system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different cutting thickness requirements while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete components: the actuator, the rotating disk with multiple positioned apertures, and the cutting blade. Each component performs a specific function, and the disk is positioned at discrete locations along the cutting path, allowing for modular adjustment of cutting thickness without requiring complex continuous control systems
2Ease of operation
If the rotating disk is made movable to adjust cutting thickness, then user flexibility is improved, but the risk of misalignment or accidental movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk is pre-positioned at multiple predetermined locations along the cutting path, each corresponding to a specific cutting thickness. The actuator mechanism is designed to move the disk only to these pre-determined positions, preventing accidental misalignment while maintaining ease of adjustment. The feed tube is also pre-positioned to align with specific disk apertures, ensuring proper alignment before cutting begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates mechanical feedback through the engagement of the feed tube with specific apertures in the rotating disk. When the disk is moved to a different position, the feed tube naturally aligns with the corresponding aperture, providing tactile feedback to the user that the adjustment is complete and properly positioned, thereby ensuring reliability without requiring complex sensors or control systems
3Productivity
If the user adjusts cutting thickness during operation, then productivity is improved by avoiding interruption, but the control mechanism must be easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment control is moved from the base or side of the device to the lid, specifically positioned on the top surface where the user can easily access it during operation. The actuator is vertically positioned above the rotating disk, allowing the user to adjust cutting thickness by simply pressing or rotating the control on the lid without reaching into the cutting chamber or interrupting the feeding process, thereby maintaining continuous productivity while improving accessibility
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.