Interchangeable cartridge devices with protective blade member for grating ingestible substances

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interchangeable cartridge devices for grating substances are prone to jamming, ineffective in processing harder substances, and difficult to clean, with limited cavity size and uneven force distribution.

Innovation Solution

The device features a plunger with sloped faces, individually biased sections, and a protective blade member, allowing for improved substance distribution and easier cleaning, with mechanisms for secure attachment and interchangeable grating structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flat bottom plunger is used to push substance into the grating blade, then the structure is simple, but the force distribution is uneven and substances like nuts roll instead of being pushed through

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distributionVSAvoidplunger structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger head is divided into multiple individually biased sections that can move independently. Each section has its own spring mechanism, allowing them to adapt to different substance sizes and shapes while maintaining even force distribution across the grating blade surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plunger sections are made dynamically adjustable through individual biasing mechanisms. Each section can independently adjust its position and applied force based on the resistance encountered, transforming from a static flat surface to a dynamic adaptive pushing surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If the cavity volume is limited by a central shaft, then the device structure is compact, but the cavity size available to hold substance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecavity volumeVSAvoidcentral shaft structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central shaft is completely removed from the device structure. Instead, a hollow plunger design is implemented where the pushing mechanism is integrated into the plunger body itself, eliminating the need for a separate central support shaft and maximizing cavity volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow plunger serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, delivers the pushing force through its walls, and defines the cavity boundary, replacing the need for a separate central shaft while maximizing internal volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective blade member is added to protect the user's hand, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand protectionVSAvoidblade structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective blade is merged with the grating blade assembly, forming an integrated safety cover that also serves as a structural component of the grating mechanism. The protective blade is positioned to cover the cutting edge while allowing substance passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective blade acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the sharp grating blade. It provides physical protection while maintaining the functional integrity of the grating operation through its strategic positioning and design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances the ability to process harder substances efficiently, reduces jamming, and facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring consistent grating performance.

Implementation Method 1

a plunger with sloped, angled, or otherwise shaped faces that push a substance to be grated into and through a grating blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a plunger that has individually biased sections to better accommodate different sized objects to be grated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250319472A1Interchangeable cartridge devices with protective blade member for grating ingestible substances

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 LIU ALEX L

AI summary

Interchangeable cartridge devices, driven by an external actuator, for use in grating an ingestible substance. The devices may include an assembly with an cavity defining structure and a grating blade coupled to the assembly. A plunger moves within this cavity and is biased towards the grating blade. The plunger is configured to push a substance to be grated into and through the grating blade. Various embodiments are disclosed featuring narrow and wider cavities, different driving structures, a plunger with a plurality of independently biased sections, and releasable components for repair, cleaning and replacement, among other features.