Food Processor Voice Output with Agitator Speed Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional food processors lack effective user-oriented noise output mechanisms, particularly for voice or music, which can interfere with operation and fail to provide clear audible instructions or information to users, especially in noisy environments or for visually impaired individuals.

Innovation Solution

The food processor reduces the agitator speed during voice output to ensure clear audible voice output, incorporates a noise suppression device using anti-noise technology, and includes a detection system to emit noise only when a user is nearby, utilizing a loudspeaker for sound output and potentially multiple speakers for directed noise emission. Additionally, it features a motion detector and face recognition for personalized voice output and bi-directional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If voice output is implemented in the food processor, then user information transmission is improved, but the agitator noise interferes with voice clarity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice output clarityVSAvoidagitator noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic voice output during specific processing phases when noise is minimal, and temporarily suspends voice output during high-noise agitation phases. This periodic timing strategy ensures voice information is transmitted during favorable acoustic conditions while avoiding interference from agitator noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The voice output system maintains continuous information transmission by switching between voice guidance and noise suppression modes depending on operational phase. During low-noise phases, voice output provides continuous information; during high-noise phases, the system continuously suppresses noise to maintain information transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Loss of information

If agitator speed is reduced during voice output, then voice clarity is improved, but processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudible voice outputVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically reduces agitator speed only during brief voice output intervals rather than maintaining reduced speed continuously. This temporary speed reduction during specific time windows provides voice clarity while minimizing impact on overall processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The agitator speed is dynamically adjusted based on operational context - reduced temporarily during voice output phases and restored to optimal processing speed during high-noise agitation phases. This dynamic speed control balances information transmission needs with processing efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If noise suppression device is added, then voice output clarity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise output clarityVSAvoidfood processor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a noise suppression device as an intermediary component that actively generates counter-noise to cancel agitator noise during voice output phases. This intermediary device mediates between the high-noise agitation process and the voice output requirement, enabling clear voice transmission without fundamentally redesigning the food processor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If detection device is added to detect user position, then targeted noise output is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-oriented noise outputVSAvoiddetection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device provides feedback about user presence and position to the control system, which then adjusts voice output timing and targeting accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt voice output to actual user conditions, providing targeted information transmission only when and where users are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables clear and user-oriented noise output, improving usability by providing audible instructions and information, reducing operational noise interference, and accommodating visually impaired users through voice output and directed sound propagation, enhancing the overall user experience.

Implementation Method 1

Provision can also be made for the food processor to have a noise suppression device which generates counter-noises as a function of the noise produced by the food processor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectActive noise control: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentEP3192417B1Kitchen appliance operated by electric motor
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP3192417B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric motor-operated food processor (1) with a mixing vessel (4) and an agitator in the mixing vessel (4), optionally with a heater, and also with a volatile or non-volatile memory in which files that can be used for the application can be stored, wherein furthermore, a loudspeaker (11) is provided in the food processor (1) and that a file can be used for noise development by means of the loudspeaker (11), e.g. for speech or music or sound output. In order to specify a food processor with a user-oriented noise output, for example voice or music or sound output, the invention proposes that the speed of the agitator be reduced when a voice output occurs while the agitator is running.