Helical Coupling Assembly for Micro Puree Machine Bowl Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro puree machines require significant user effort and time to process ingredients, and are impractical for preparing non-dessert food products.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a helical design that securely locks a mixing bowl to a micro puree machine, preventing rotation during processing and ensuring efficient ingredient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional mixing bowl is used in a micro puree machine, then the machine can process ingredients, but the bowl rotates during processing causing inefficient processing and requiring significant user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: protrusions on the bowl, slots in the coupling mechanism, and engagement features that work together. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the protrusions provide locking points, the slots guide insertion and provide helical engagement paths, and the engagement features secure the bowl in position - resulting in efficient ingredient processing with minimal user effort
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is designed to be pre-assembled and attached to the micro puree machine before the bowl is inserted. The slots are pre-configured with helical portions that guide the bowl into the correct rotational position during insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the bowl is inserted, it automatically engages in the proper orientation and locks securely, eliminating the need for user effort during processing
2Productivity
If the bowl is securely locked to prevent rotation, then processing efficiency improves, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the coupling body with slots, the bowl with protrusions, and the engagement features. Each segment performs a specific function - the slots provide guidance and locking paths, the protrusions serve as locking points, and the engagement features secure the connection. This segmentation achieves secure locking without requiring a complex overall mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking mechanism that requires actuators or fasteners, the design inverts the approach by using passive geometric features: the helical slots and protrusions work together through their shapes alone to provide automatic locking. The bowl's protrusions fit into the coupling's slots, and the helical geometry of the slots creates the locking action simply through the relative geometry of the two components, eliminating the need for additional active locking elements
Data Source
AI summary
A helical coupling assembly for a micro puree machine includes at least one protrusion on a processing bowl configured to slidably engage a slot on an interior surface of the coupling when the processing bowl is rotated in a clockwise direction. The slots are configured such that, for a certain range of rotation, the slots are not helical to prevent the bowl from disengaging during extrusion of ingredients from the bowl.