Food preparation device for cutting food, crushing attachment and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation devices lack the ability to variably chop food ingredients with controlled precision, as the degree of comminution is influenced by the nature of the ingredients and is difficult to predict, and the shape of the shredding process cannot be influenced.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation device with a rotatable mixing tool and a chopping tool that allows for controlled shredding, capable of rotating at high speeds up to 10,000 revolutions per minute, and a collecting device to catch comminuted ingredients, preventing further comminution, enabling both controlled and quick chopping of food ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotatable mixing tool is used to chop food ingredients, then the chopping process is simple and quick, but the degree of comminution is difficult to predict and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the rotation speed of the mixing tool to control the degree of comminution. The control unit adjusts rotation speed based on the type of food ingredient and desired comminution level, transforming a simple high-speed chopping process into a controllable precision operation through dynamic parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit receives information about the food ingredient type and monitors the chopping process to adjust rotation speed in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent and predictable degree of comminution while maintaining efficient chopping speed.
2Productivity
If the mixing tool rotates at high speed (at least 5000 revolutions per minute), then the shredding process is quick and efficient, but the shape and degree of comminution cannot be influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rotation speed of the mixing tool dynamically adjustable during the chopping process. The control unit modifies rotation speed based on real-time process conditions and desired outcomes, allowing the system to adapt between high-speed efficient chopping and precision-controlled comminution shape formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotation speed parameter dynamically to control both the speed and shape of comminution. By adjusting this key parameter, the system achieves both quick shredding when high speed is needed and controlled shape formation when precision is required.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rotation time is extended to achieve complete comminution, then the chopping is thorough, but the process time increases and over-processing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback control to monitor the chopping process and determine when complete comminution is achieved. This prevents unnecessary extended rotation time and avoids over-processing, optimizing the balance between thoroughness and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by rotating the mixing tool only for the necessary duration to achieve the desired degree of comminution. The control unit calculates and executes the precise rotation time needed, avoiding excessive action that would lead to over-processing and time waste.
4Device complexity
If a single mixing tool is used for both mixing and chopping, then the device structure is simple, but the chopping function lacks precision and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the mixing tool to perform both mixing and chopping functions. The control unit configures the tool's operation mode and rotation parameters based on the required function, allowing a single tool to precisely execute different tasks without requiring separate specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (rotation speed, direction, duration) to transform the mixing tool's function from mixing to chopping and vice versa. This parameter-based functionality allows precise chopping control while maintaining device structural simplicity.
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 device allows for precise and efficient chopping of food ingredients, ensuring complete comminution while preventing over-processing, with the ability to set different speeds and directions of rotation for the mixing tool to achieve desired results.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable mixing tool for mixing and chopping a food in a bottom area of the food preparation vessel
Implementation Method 2
the mixing tool can be rotated at at least 5000 revolutions per minute
Implementation Method 3
a collecting device to catch comminuted ingredients, preventing further comminution
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a food preparation appliance (1) with a rotatable shredding tool (4) for shredding food and a control unit. The shredding tool (4) is arranged, or can be arranged, in relation to a collection basket (2) such that the shredded food is transported downwards by gravity by means of the shredding tool (4) to be collected in the collection basket (2). The invention further relates to a shredding attachment (1) and a method for shredding food using the food preparation appliance (1).