Lid for a food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blender lids are difficult to remove, do not adequately seal under negative pressure, and do not facilitate seamless operation with other appliances, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints in kitchen setups.
Innovation Solution
A lid design for food processors featuring a main part, top skirt, and moveable cover with sealing projections that securely engage with the rim and spout, allowing easy opening and closing, and enabling vacuum sealing and compatibility with juicers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is designed to withstand forces from circulating contents to securely seal the vessel, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as the lid becomes difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a main body portion for sealing, a spout cover for opening/closing access, and a detent mechanism with latch members. This segmentation allows the spout cover to be operated independently for easy access while the main body maintains secure sealing through the detent mechanism, resolving the contradiction between secure sealing and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout cover is designed as a movable component that can pivot between open and closed positions, while the latch members provide dynamic engagement with the rim lip. The latch members can be manually disengaged to release the seal, providing controlled ease of operation while maintaining reliability during normal use.
2Reliability
If the lid is designed to seal under negative pressure, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane seal is positioned at the spout opening to create a vacuum-tight seal. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to pressure differentials and maintain sealing under negative pressure conditions, while its simple film structure avoids complex mechanical sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout cover serves multiple functions: it provides a seal under negative pressure through the membrane, allows manual opening/closing for access, and can be integrated with vacuum sealing operations. This multi-functionality achieves reliable negative pressure sealing without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate appliances (juicer and blender) are used, then functional versatility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to manual transfer steps and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to function with multiple appliance types. The spout cover and sealing mechanisms can accommodate different operating modes (juicing, blending, vacuum sealing), enabling a single vessel-lid assembly to replace multiple separate appliances, thereby improving productivity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid integrates multiple functions that would traditionally require separate appliances: a spout cover for controlled access, vacuum sealing capability for preservation, and compatibility with both juicer and blender operations. By merging these functions into one component, the system eliminates manual transfer steps and reduces the need for multiple separate appliances.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing lids are used for storage, then adaptability is limited, but ease of manufacture is maintained with simple designs
Solution Approach 1:
The lid design incorporates universal sealing features (membrane seal, detent mechanism with latch members engaging the rim lip) that enable it to function effectively for both processing operations and long-term storage. The spout cover provides sealed access for storage, while the overall structure remains manufacturable using standard molding and assembly techniques, achieving adaptability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 lid provides easy operation, effective vacuum sealing, and allows for interchangeable use with juicers, reducing manual transfer steps and minimizing kitchen space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing projection deflects into the inner surface of the sidewall to seal the body when the interior is subjected to a negative pressure relative to outside the interior
Data Source
AI summary
A lid (116) for a food processor, the food processor including a hollow body (102) providing an interior chamber (103) to receive product and within which the product is processed, the body (102) having a sidewall (112) with a rim portion (108) surrounding a body top opening (114), the rim portion (108) having a lip (109), the body (102) further including a spout (110) protruding from the side wall (112) adjacent the rim portion (108) and having a spout side opening (117), the lid (116) including: a main part (118) to cooperate with the lip (109) to close the body top opening (114); a top skirt (120) to extend into the interior (103) of the body (102) and sealingly interface with an inner surface of the sidewall (112) and the rim portion (108); and a cover (200) moveably attached to the main part (118) and to cooperate with the spout (110) to close the spout side opening (117); and the cover (200) having a side skirt to extend into the spout (110) and sealingly interface with an inner (240) and outer (241) surface of the spout side opening (117).