Ice-crushing attachment for a multi-purpose kitchen machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice-crushing devices in kitchen appliances lack control over the size and consistency of crushed ice, which varies depending on intended usage.
Innovation Solution
An ice-crushing attachment for a stand mixer featuring a tubular body with a rotatable scroll-type tool and interchangeable dies to control the size and consistency of crushed ice, utilizing a common component set with a kit that can be configured between meat grinding and ice crushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bladed tool is rotated rapidly within a receptacle to crush ice, then ice crushing function is achieved, but control over size and consistency of crushed ice is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from simple rotation to a planetary motion system where the extruding tool rotates on its own axis while simultaneously orbiting around the central drive shaft. This dual-motion parameter change enables precise control over ice crushing mechanics, allowing consistent particle size and texture control that single-rotation systems cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic planetary motion where the extruding tool follows an orbital path around the central drive shaft while maintaining its own rotation. This dynamic multi-axis motion system provides varying crushing forces and angles throughout the orbital cycle, enabling superior control over ice particle size and consistency compared to static single-axis rotation
2Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke rotating tools are used for ice crushing, then ice crushing capability is provided, but device complexity increases and control over crushed ice characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attachment system where the same planetary drive mechanism and extruding tool design can handle multiple materials (ice, meat, vegetables) by simply changing the extruding tool or die. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for bespoke tools for each material type, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the crushing function into modular components: a central drive shaft, planetary extruding tools, and interchangeable dies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and easily replaced or adjusted, reducing the complexity of designing entirely new tools for different applications
3Device complexity
If general purpose tools are used for ice crushing, then device simplicity is maintained, but control over size and consistency of crushed ice is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the general-purpose extruding tool by adding planetary motion capability and interchangeable dies with varying aperture sizes and patterns. These parameter changes transform a simple rotation system into a precision control system that can produce consistent crushed ice of specific sizes while maintaining the basic extruding tool structure
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized attachments are provided for different functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal attachment where the same planetary drive mechanism and housing can process ice, meat, vegetables, and other materials by simply changing the extruding tool or die. This single multi-functional attachment replaces the need for multiple specialized attachments, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple crushing and extruding functions into a single planetary drive system that can handle various materials and produce different output forms (minced, grated, crushed, extruded). By combining these functions in one attachment with interchangeable components, the system achieves the versatility of multiple attachments without their combined complexity
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
Provides efficient and economical ice crushing with precise control over ice size and consistency by leveraging existing meat grinder components and dies, allowing seamless conversion between functions.
Implementation Method 1
a bladed tool is rotated rapidly within a receptacle, such as a bowl or a goblet, to crush or chop blocks of ice loaded into the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a die member, selected from a plurality of die members, fitted to said outlet port and configured to influence the size and/or consistency of said crushed ice as it emerges from said port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An ice-crushing attachment for a stand mixer presenting a rotary drive outlet (11) in addition to a planetary drive outlet(15); the attachment comprising a generally tubular body (21) for attachment to the stand mixer; a rotatable scroll-type extruding tool (22) capable of rotating within the tubular body and provided with means to couple with said rotary drive outlet when the tubular body is attached to the stand mixer; means (24) permitting ice to be introduced into the tubular body and into engagement with the extruding tool for crushing and transport towards an outlet port of the attachment; and a die member(23), selected from a plurality of die members, fitted to said outlet port and configured to influence the size and/or consistency of said crushed ice as it emerges from said port.