Closed food processor or blender with a mechanism to open the container to atmosphere
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealed processing containers in food processor or blender appliances can experience increased pressure and temperature changes during processing of hot or cold ingredients, leading to potential container rupture and unsafe handling of heated liquids.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design featuring an open-ended vessel assembly with a vent opening, a valve arrangement to control pressure release, and a blade assembly that engages with the vessel to seal or vent heated air to the atmosphere, ensuring safe operation and containment of blended products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is sealed during processing, then the blended product does not leak during storage or transport, but pressure increases causing safety hazards and potential container rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with differentiated regions: a sealed portion for retaining blended product during storage and transport, and a vent opening in a specific location to release pressure during processing. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of leak prevention and pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed container interior and the external atmosphere. The valve selectively opens to release pressure when needed while remaining closed to maintain seal integrity, mediating between the conflicting requirements of sealing and venting.
2Reliability
If the container is sealed during hot processing, then the blended product remains contained, but temperature increase causes pressure buildup and potential liquid boil-off
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates a localized vent opening positioned to allow heat and pressure escape while maintaining seal integrity in the product containment region. This localized venting capability enables temperature management without compromising overall containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effects of excessive temperature and pressure are extracted from the sealed system through the vent opening. The vent allows the extraction of excess thermal energy and pressure buildup while retaining the blended product inside the container.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure relief opening is provided, then pressure buildup is prevented, but the container may not seal properly for storage or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism provides dynamic control of the pressure relief opening, allowing it to open when pressure buildup occurs during processing and close when sealing is required for storage or transport. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangement is designed to automatically respond to pressure conditions within the container, opening when pressure exceeds a certain threshold and closing when pressure normalizes, without requiring external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism maintains both pressure control and seal integrity.
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 design effectively vents heated air to atmosphere, reducing the risk of container rupture and splash hazards, while maintaining the integrity of the blended product during and after processing.
Implementation Method 1
the valve arrangement is opened such that the vent hole is exposed to atmosphere via the at least one opening of the outer vessel and heated air generated during operation of the base and blade assembly may be vented to atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A food processing system is provided including a vessel assembly, blade assembly, and a motor base. The elements of the system cooperate such that upon assembly of the system, and during use, the volume defining the food processing container is open to atmosphere. Potentially harmful heated air can thus be vented from the food processing container to decrease the likelihood of injury to an operator, both during operation and after operation.