Low-Profile Blender Motor With Magnetic Coupling for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable appliances like blenders generate noise due to rotating mechanical parts in their base, which can be mitigated by eliminating moving parts within the appliance base through a magnetic coupling system using a stator and rotatable magnetic coupler.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic coupling system is implemented in a blender where a stator in the appliance's base generates an electronically controlled rotating electromagnetic field to magnetically rotate a rotatable magnetic coupler within the blender jar, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and reducing noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a magnetic coupling system with stator and rotatable magnetic coupler is used, then noise and vibration are reduced, but the motor height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmotor height
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional vertical motor configuration to a horizontal magnetic coupling system where the stator and rotatable magnetic coupler are positioned side-by-side. This dimensional change allows the motor components to be distributed laterally rather than stacked vertically, reducing motor height while maintaining functionality through magnetic field coupling between the stator and rotatable magnetic coupler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive shafts and gears with a magnetic coupling system. The stator generates a magnetic field that interacts with the rotatable magnetic coupler, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connections and reducing noise and vibration. This substitution of mechanical systems with magnetic fields resolves the contradiction by providing a quieter operation without requiring increased vertical space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a magnetic coupling system is implemented, then mechanical parts are eliminated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical noiseVSAvoidmotor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical drive systems with a magnetic coupling system consisting of a stator and rotatable magnetic coupler. This substitution eliminates mechanical noise and reduces the number of moving parts, even though it introduces electromagnetic field interactions. The simplification of mechanical components compensates for the added complexity of the magnetic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the blade assembly. The stator generates a magnetic field that couples with the rotatable magnetic coupler, serving as a non-contact intermediary to transmit rotational motion. This intermediary approach eliminates direct mechanical contact and associated noise while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the stator is disposed beneath the jar, then space is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase portion volumeVSAvoidstator positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the stator horizontally adjacent to the rotatable magnetic coupler rather than vertically beneath it. This dimensional repositioning optimizes the use of horizontal space in the base portion while reducing the precision requirements for vertical alignment. The side-by-side configuration allows for more tolerant manufacturing specifications compared to the precise vertical stacking required by traditional designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 magnetic coupling system effectively powers the blender without mechanical noise, enhancing user experience by reducing vibrations and mechanical malfunctions, while ensuring safe operation by incorporating a braking system to stop the blade assembly when the jar is removed.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic coupling system is part of the blending appliance and includes a rotatable magnetic coupler disposed in the jar base of the blender jar and a stator disposed in the base portion of the housing. The stator is configured to generate an electromagnetic field to magnetically rotate the rotatable magnetic coupler within the jar base.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10092139B2Low profile motor for portable appliances
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • US10092139B2 patent drawing
  • US10092139B2 patent drawing
  • US10092139B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A blending appliance includes a housing having a jar receiving portion defined between an upper housing and a base portion laterally extending from the housing. A blender jar is adapted to be laterally received within the jar receiving portion and includes a jar base and a receptacle portion. A stator is disposed in the base portion of the housing and is adapted to create an electromagnetic field to drive a rotatable magnetic coupler disposed in the jar base as part of a magnetic coupling system. The rotatable magnetic coupler is coupled to a drive shaft that is further coupled to a blade assembly disposed within the receptacle portion of the blender jar. The blade assembly is configured to process ingredients within the receptacle portion of the blender jar as coupled to the rotatable magnetic coupler.