Lockable adjustable blade assembly for food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack an efficient mechanism to adjust the cutting thickness of food items, limiting user control over the thickness of sliced or chopped food products.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design that includes a rotating disk and a cutting blade assembly with a movable rotating disk, allowing for adjustable cutting thickness by varying the distance between the cutting blade and the rotating disk, facilitated by a locking mechanism and user-operated pin system for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotating disk is made movable to enable thickness adjustment, then user control over cutting thickness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms and positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk is transformed from a fixed component to a movable one, allowing dynamic adjustment of cutting thickness. The disk can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the blade's rotational path, enabling users to control slice thickness by rotating the disk to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning locations rather than continuous adjustment. The blade support structure includes multiple predetermined locations where the rotating disk can be locked, providing simple stepwise thickness control without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment positions are provided for the rotating disk, then cutting versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple locking positions and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment positions are pre-established during manufacturing of the blade support structure. The support includes predetermined locations, grooves, or engagement features that guide and lock the rotating disk at specific positions, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and simplifying both manufacturing and user operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. A user-operated pin is positioned below the rotating disk and is moveable between a first position in which the rotating disk is prevented from moving upwardly and downwardly, and a second position in which the rotating disk is permitted to move upwardly and downwardly.