Speed control assembly for appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed control assemblies for appliances lack precise and reliable mechanisms for adjusting mixer speeds, often resulting in inconsistent motor operation and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A speed control assembly that includes a cam with an angled engagement edge, a lever, a slider, a magnet housing with a magnet, and a Hall-effect sensor, which together allow for precise detection of the magnet's position and control of the motor speed by translating the cam's movement into proportional magnetic field changes, enabling accurate speed adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional speed control mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the speed adjustment precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical speed control mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. A Hall-effect sensor detects the position of a magnet attached to the cam, converting mechanical movement into electrical signals for precise speed control. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element between the mechanical cam and the Hall-effect sensor. The magnet translates the cam's positional information into a detectable magnetic field, enabling the sensor to accurately determine cam position and thus motor speed without direct mechanical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cam mechanism is used for speed control, then the speed adjustment range is improved, but the operational consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Hall-effect sensor continuously monitors the cam position and provides real-time speed information to the control system. This feedback enables the system to maintain consistent motor operation by accurately tracking the cam's movement through its various speed adjustment positions, ensuring reliable and repeatable performance.
3Measurement precision
If a Hall-effect sensor is added for precise detection, then the speed control precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function needed for speed control, using a simple magnet-Hall effect sensor pair rather than a complex encoder or multiple sensors. This minimalistic approach achieves the required measurement precision while keeping manufacturing costs low by eliminating unnecessary components and simplifying the assembly process.
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 solution provides a precise and reliable mechanism for adjusting mixer speeds, ensuring consistent motor operation and enhancing user experience by accurately translating lever movement into motor speed changes.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall-effect sensor configured to detect a position of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
A ball bearing is magnetically coupled with the magnet housing and is positioned within the recess. The ball bearing is configured to be selectively engaged with the engagement edge of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
A speed control assembly for an appliance includes a bracket. The bracket is aligned with a slot defined by an appliance body. A cam is slidably coupled with the bracket and has an engagement edge positioned at an angle relative to the bracket. A lever is operably coupled with the cam and extends through the slot. The lever is configured to move the cam along the bracket. A slider is fixedly coupled with the bracket. A magnet housing is operably coupled with the slider and is configured to house a magnet. The magnet housing defines a recess. A ball bearing is magnetically coupled with the magnet housing and is positioned within the recess. The ball bearing is configured to be selectively engaged with the engagement edge of the cam. A Hall-effect sensor configured to detect the position of the magnet.