Appliance for preparing and/or cooking food, such as a food processor with integrated weighing device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small household appliances for food preparation and cooking often have impractical and inaccurate weighing systems, either due to external weighing devices that are cumbersome or integrated systems where the appliance's weight complicates calibration, reducing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with a weighing device integrated into the base, featuring multiple strain gauge sensors positioned between the base and a support plate, allowing for precise weighing of the bowl's content without disrupting the appliance's structure, and a controller for managing cooking and preparation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the weighing device is integrated into the feet of the appliance, then the appliance becomes compact and fully integrated, but the feet support the weight of the entire appliance which reduces the weighing accuracy of the bowl and its contents
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into an outer base structure and an inner base that can move relative to each other. The weighing sensors are positioned between these two bases to measure only the weight of the bowl and its contents, excluding the weight of the appliance itself. This segmentation allows the weighing function to be isolated from the appliance's overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
An inner base is introduced as an intermediary element between the outer base and the bowl. The weighing sensors are placed between the inner and outer bases, using the inner base as a mediator to transmit only the relevant weight information (bowl contents) to the sensors while excluding the appliance's structural weight.
2Ease of manufacture
If the weighing device is arranged in the inner volume of the base, then the weighing function is integrated in a simple way, but the position of sensors between the bottom of the base and support plate requires translational deforming movement which complicates the base structure
Solution Approach 1:
The inner base is designed to be movable relative to the outer base, allowing it to translate vertically when weight is applied. This dynamic movement enables the weighing sensors to detect weight changes without requiring complex deformation of the base structure itself. The movability is constrained by guide elements that ensure proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing measurement is achieved through vertical movement of the inner base relative to the outer base, utilizing the vertical dimension for both the weighing function and the structural support. This dimensional approach simplifies the overall design by using straightforward vertical translation rather than complex in-plane mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple weighing sensors are used, then the weighing accuracy is increased, but the device complexity and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple weighing sensors are positioned at different locations on the inner base, and their signals are combined to provide a comprehensive weight measurement. This arrangement improves accuracy by distributing the measurement function across multiple sensing points while the control unit processes and combines their outputs into a single accurate reading.
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 provides accurate and integrated weighing within the appliance, enhancing the precision and practicality of food preparation and cooking processes while maintaining the appliance's stability and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the weighing device is configured to weigh at least the content of the appliance bowl
Implementation Method 2
each of the weighing sensors comprising at least one first portion positioned on the bottom of the base and at least one second portion positioned on a portion of the support plate
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance for preparing and/or cooking food, such as a food processor, including at least: a bowl including at least one internal cooking and/or preparation volume, a base on which the bowl is arranged in its operating state, the base including at least one bottom and at least one sidewall extending from the bottom in an intersecting direction, the bottom and the sidewall defining an internal volume, a weighing device configured to weigh at least the contents of the bowl and includes at least two weighing sensors, wherein the weighing device is arranged in the internal volume of the base, and the appliance includes a support plate that's separate from the base and is arranged facing the bottom of the base, the sensors comprising at least one first portion positioned on the bottom of the base and at least one second portion positioned on a part of the support plate.