Interlocking blending system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blender interlock systems are ineffective in consistently signaling when the lid is in place, take up extra space, and are prone to operational issues due to motor vibration, making them difficult to clean and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A wireless induction-based interlock system using transmitter and receiver coils to ensure the blender lid is securely attached before allowing motor operation, eliminating the need for mechanical connections and enhancing vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent blade rotation when lid is removed, then safety interlocking function is achieved, but the system takes up extra space and is prone to operational issues due to motor vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock systems with an inductive coupling system using transmitter and receiver coils. The transmitter coil is mounted on the blade assembly and the receiver coil on the lid, eliminating mechanical connection paths while maintaining the interlock function through electromagnetic induction. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the space-consuming mechanical components while improving reliability through vibration-resistant electromagnetic coupling.
2Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems with physical connections are used, then interlocking function is achieved, but the system is difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock components with wireless inductive coupling coils that have no moving parts or physical contact points requiring maintenance. The transmitter coil on the blade assembly and receiver coil on the lid communicate through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment, lubrication, or cleaning, thereby significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical interlock systems are used, then blade rotation prevention is achieved, but the system is subject to operational limitations caused by motor vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vibration-sensitive mechanical interlock mechanisms with inductive coupling coils that are inherently resistant to motor vibration. The electromagnetic coupling between the transmitter coil on the blade assembly and receiver coil on the lid remains stable during operation, eliminating operational limitations caused by vibration while maintaining reliable interlock function.
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
The induction-based interlock system provides reliable and space-efficient operation by ensuring the blender lid is securely attached before enabling motor operation, reducing the risk of inconsistent performance and improving ease of cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
An interlock assembly having a plurality of induction coils may be provided to engage a switch device when the lid is attached to the container to cover the open end and the container is operably engaged to the base. The interlock assembly may include at least one transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil mounted to a pad positioned on the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor rotates the blade, a container having an open end and a lid configured to cover the open end. The blending system may also include an interlock system that may include a plurality of induction coils positioned on the base and the container and be in electrical communication with at least one lid sensor, wherein the power is translated through the induction coils to engage a switch device to complete a power circuit to allow a user to operate the motor of the blender.