Jug assembly for a blender.
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blender blade assemblies lack efficiency and durability, particularly in high-speed operations and maintenance, with limited design options for blade configurations and retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A blade assembly featuring three main or sweeper blades and three optional upper blades, supported by a threaded hub with a central bearing case and ball bearings, utilizing a polymeric fixing nut for secure retention and enhanced sealing to prevent food ingress, allowing for higher speed operation and easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional blade assembly design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the speed capability and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a hub assembly, bearing case, ball bearings, sealing elements, and blade retention mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining manageable overall complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing case incorporates ball bearings that enable dynamic rotation at high speeds (20-24,000 rpm). The dynamic sealing elements adapt to rotational motion while preventing food ingress. These dynamic features allow the assembly to achieve high speed capability without excessive complexity
2Reliability
If a conventional retention mechanism is used, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the durability and resistance to food ingress are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric sealing element is introduced as an intermediary between the blade assembly and the jug interior. This sealing mediator prevents direct contact between food and the mechanical retention components, blocking food ingress while allowing the retention mechanism to remain relatively simple in its fastening function
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism combines metallic components (hub, bearing case) with polymeric materials (sealing elements, retention nuts). This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength needed for durable retention and the flexible sealing properties needed to prevent food ingress, achieving high reliability without excessive complexity
3Productivity
If a conventional blade configuration is used, then the design is simpler, but the blending efficiency and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly features three main blades with specific geometric configurations optimized for different functions: sweeper blades for reaching peripheral material and upper blades for processing material near the center. Each blade has locally optimized geometry for its specific position and function, maximizing blending efficiency across the entire jug volume while maintaining a manageable overall design
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 blade assembly achieves higher speed capabilities up to 20-24,000 rpm with improved durability and reduced mechanical complexity, minimizing dead zones and enhancing performance and ease of servicing.
Implementation Method 1
two spaced apart ball bearing sets contained within the case or hub
Implementation Method 2
The hub is provided with threads. Thus, a nut may be used to draw the upper flange of the bearing case or hub into a sealing engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A jug body having a through opening for receiving a blade assembly, the opening extending through a hub formed on an underside of the jug; the blade assembly having a bearing case within which is mounted bearings for supporting a shaft; the bearing case having a flange at one end and having threads at an opposite end, the threads protruding from a lower surface of the hub; the threads cooperating with a threaded nut that draws the flange into engagement with the jug; the lower surface of the hub and the nut being capped by a cover through which protrudes the shaft; a lower end of the shaft having attached to it, a coupling.