Inline spiralizing food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices struggle to automatically and efficiently cut vegetables into spiral or helical forms, as they are either mechanical, time-consuming, and require significant cleaning effort, or are limited to processing one vegetable at a time.
Innovation Solution
An inline food processing appliance with a tower configuration featuring an electric motor, rotating cutting disc, and a cylindrical blade support member, where food is pushed through an inlet chute and spiraled by a rotating blade, allowing for continuous processing and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical or hand-cranked spiraling cutter is used, then spiral cutting function is provided, but processing speed is slow and additional time is required for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, cutting disc, and pusher mechanism into a single integrated food processor unit. The motor is located in the top cover and drives the cutting disc through a drive shaft, while the pusher member is integrated into the inlet chute assembly. This merging of components enables automatic operation while maintaining efficient processing speed, as the motor continuously drives the cutting disc to spiralize vegetables as they are pushed through the inlet chute.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated spiralizing appliance with top motor is used, then spiral cutting function is provided, but the appliance can only process one vegetable at a time and requires removal of cover for each item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the food processor with a universal inlet chute that can accommodate various vegetable sizes and types. The continuous feed mechanism allows multiple vegetables to be processed sequentially without removing the cover, making the device versatile for different food items while maintaining ease of operation. The blade configuration and chute design enable the same apparatus to handle different vegetables efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor continuously drives the cutting disc throughout the processing operation, eliminating idle time between vegetables. The continuous feed mechanism allows vegetables to be pushed through the inlet chute without stopping the motor or removing the cover, maintaining continuous useful action and improving both versatility and operational convenience.
3Productivity
If an automated food processor configuration is used, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the food processor into distinct functional segments: the motor assembly in the top cover, the drive shaft and cutting disc in the middle section, and the inlet chute with pusher mechanism at the top. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable. The modular design facilitates easier cleaning and maintenance, offsetting the increased complexity through functional organization.
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 and automatic spiralizing of vegetables, reducing processing time and cleaning effort, while allowing for continuous operation and easy handling of multiple food items.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor located in an upper portion of the tower which also houses a rotating cutting disc with a blade member fixed thereon
Implementation Method 2
the blade member is affixed to a conical or concave cylindrical disc support member, which includes an opening for the spiraled food, as the leading blade edge travels around a rotational axis
Implementation Method 3
Cut or spiraled food falls down underneath or through an optional exit chute into a jar or storage container located underneath
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein is directed to an inline spiral cutting food processor that includes a motor that rotates an upper positioned disc with a blade assembly by means of a belt or gear assembly or mechanism. The entrance and exit chute are fixed and positioned in-line with the axis of rotation of the blade supporting disc member. The entrance chute is positioned above the cutting disc, and the exit opening (or chute) is below. During operation a food item is pushed down the entrance chute as the blade rotates and cuts it. Cut food falls down through the opening or exit chute into a storage container or jar. The food cutting assembly is configured to generate spiral or helical food from vegetables.