Micro Puree Machine Blade Drop Detection Using Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices for making frozen desserts and non-dessert foods require significant user effort and time, and there is a risk of blade disconnection during operation, which can lead to safety hazards and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A micro puree machine equipped with sensors to detect blade connection and resistive forces, including magnetic sensors and spring mechanisms, to ensure proper coupling and prevent blade disconnection, and a kill switch to deactivate the motor when hazardous conditions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blade assembly is used in a micro puree machine, then food processing capability is improved, but the risk of blade disconnection and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of blade assembly connection status before initiating the food processing operation. The sensor detects whether the blade assembly is properly coupled to the drive shaft, and the controller prevents operation until proper connection is confirmed, thereby avoiding blade disconnection damage during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the connection status of the blade assembly during operation through the sensor and controller. When blade disconnection is detected, the controller automatically shuts down the motor to prevent equipment damage, providing real-time feedback control for safety
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring of blade connection is required, then device complexity is reduced, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring of the blade assembly connection status through the integrated sensor and controller. The sensor automatically detects connection status and the controller autonomously manages operation shutdown, eliminating the need for user intervention and reducing time loss
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blade disconnection detection is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensor and electronic controller. The sensor detects the position of a magnet on the drive shaft to determine blade connection status, providing safety functionality through simpler electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical switches or linkages
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 system reduces user effort and time in food preparation by ensuring proper blade engagement and automatically shuts down to prevent damage, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may determine that the blade assembly is not coupled to the drive shaft by detecting a magnetic field within its proximity caused a magnet positioned at about the second end of the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
The drive shaft may be coupled to at least one spring. The at least one spring may be configured to exert a force against the drive shaft that pushes the second end of the drive shaft toward the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An example food processing system is provided. The food processing system include a housing. A drive shaft extends from the housing. The drive shaft includes a first end configured to receive a blade assembly and a second end opposing the first end. At least one sensor is configured to detect a position of the second end of the drive shaft to determine if the blade assembly is coupled to the drive shaft or not.