High performance adjustable juicer with whole foods feed chute and clutch mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household juicing devices often require pre-processing of foods, struggle with processing whole foods due to small feed chutes and lack of torque, and are prone to overload conditions that can damage internal mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance juicing system with a clutch assembly featuring a drive mechanism, a slip clutch plate, and a biasing mechanism that disengages when a predetermined torque load is reached, allowing for the processing of whole foods without pre-cutting and preventing overload damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the feed chute size is increased to process whole foods, then the ability to process whole foods is improved, but the structural complexity and torque requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is divided into separate components including a fixed clutch plate, slip clutch plate, and biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the system to handle whole foods without requiring complete redesign of the entire juicer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the juicing components. It mediates the torque transmission, allowing the motor to operate within safe limits while still providing sufficient power to process whole foods through the enlarged feed chute.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more torque is provided to handle tougher foods, then the processing capability is improved, but the risk of motor overload and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism converts the potentially harmful overload condition into a beneficial protective feature. When excessive torque is applied, the clutch plates slip relative to each other, dissipating the excess energy through friction and preventing damage to the motor and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism (spring) provides beforehand cushioning by pre-loading the clutch plates. This stored elastic energy allows the clutch to absorb sudden torque spikes and overload conditions, protecting the motor from damage before the overload can cause harm.
3Productivity
If the juicer processes fibrous material and pulp, then the juicing performance is improved, but the internal mechanisms can seize and housing parts can become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism converts the harmful seizure condition into a beneficial slip condition. When fibrous material causes excessive resistance, the clutch plates slip instead of the mechanism seizing, allowing the juicer to continue operating without damage while maintaining good juicing performance.
4Productivity
If high juicing pressure is applied to extract juice, then the extraction efficiency is improved, but leakage and damage to housing parts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based biasing mechanism provides beforehand cushioning against pressure spikes. The spring absorbs excess pressure energy, preventing it from transmitting to housing parts and causing leakage or damage, while still allowing sufficient pressure for efficient juice extraction.
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
Enables efficient processing of whole foods like kiwis and apples without pre-cutting and reduces the risk of motor overload, ensuring safe and effective juice extraction.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism is disposed on and coupled to the attachment shaft and configured to bias the slip clutch plate towards the engaged position. The biasing mechanism is adapted to be overcome such that the clip clutch plate moves towards the disengaged position along the attachment shaft when a torque force of a predetermined load is realized on the attachment shaft from the attachment accessory.
Implementation Method 2
A fixed clutch plate is disposed on the second shaft and includes a plurality of ramped members disposed thereon for rotation with the second shaft along the second axis. An attachment shaft includes a slip clutch plate disposed on a first end and a beveled gear disposed on a second opposite end. The slip clutch plate includes a plurality of ramped members adapted to releasably couple with the plurality of ramped members disposed on the fixed clutch plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch mechanism includes first and second shafts having a drive system disposed therebetween, wherein the first shaft is coupled to a drive mechanism. A fixed clutch plate is disposed on the second shaft and includes a plurality of ramped members disposed thereon. An attachment shaft includes a slip clutch plate disposed on a first end and having a plurality of ramped members adapted to releasably couple with the plurality of ramped members disposed on the fixed clutch plate. The slip clutch plate is operable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the fixed clutch plate and a biasing mechanism is disposed on the attachment shaft and configured to bias the slip clutch plate towards the engaged position. The biasing mechanism is further configured to be overcome when a torque force of a predetermined load is realized on the attachment shaft.