Device, in particular a food preparation device, comprising a magnetic coupling part
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation devices with magnetic couplings face challenges with misalignment of coupling parts, which can lead to reduced performance and operational lifetime due to friction and lack of mechanical guidance.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a magnetic coupling part with a moveable magnet assembly relative to a shaft, allowing displacement to accommodate misalignment, and is keyed to ensure rotational compatibility, thereby increasing the acceptable misalignment tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnet assembly is fixed rigidly to the shaft, then the magnetic coupling may experience misalignment issues, but the structure is simpler and more stable
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is made dynamically adjustable relative to the shaft through moveable mounting mechanisms (such as slots, guides, or adjustable holders) that allow the magnet assembly to be positioned at different angular orientations. This enables the system to adapt to misalignment conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical guidance is provided for coupling parts alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and friction may hamper self-alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical guidance mechanisms with a magnetic field-based self-alignment system. The magnetic coupling between the magnet assembly and the ferromagnetic material creates attractive forces that automatically guide the coupling parts into proper alignment without requiring additional mechanical guidance structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system enables self-alignment through the inherent magnetic attraction between the magnet assembly and the ferromagnetic material. When the coupling parts are brought close together, the magnetic forces automatically guide them into the correct relative position without requiring external alignment mechanisms or user intervention, thus avoiding the complexity and friction issues associated with mechanical guidance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the magnet assembly is made moveable relative to the shaft, then misalignment tolerance is increased, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is designed with moveable mounting (through slots, guides, or adjustable holders) that allows angular adjustment relative to the shaft. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate various misalignment conditions while maintaining a relatively simple structure that does not require complex mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
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
This design enhances user convenience and minimizes performance and lifetime issues by allowing for a larger acceptable misalignment, ensuring smoother operation and extended device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coupling part for magnetically coupling to a further coupling part to define a magnetic coupling suitable for transferring drive from a motor assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is a device (100), e.g. a food preparation device, comprising a magnetic coupling part (102) for magnetically coupling to a further coupling part (104) to define a magnetic coupling (102, 104) suitable for transferring drive from a motor assembly (106). The magnetic coupling part comprises a magnet assembly (110) for magnetically coupling to the further coupling part, and a shaft (114) rotatable about an axis (116) extending along the shaft. At least part of the magnet assembly is moveably mounted relative to the shaft to allow displacement of the at least part of the magnet assembly relative to, e.g. radially away from, the axis. The magnet assembly and the shaft are keyed to each other such that the magnet assembly is rotatable together with said rotation of the shaft, including when the at least part of the magnet assembly is displaced relative to the axis.