Modular food processing and preparation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing devices, both hand-operated and powered, face limitations in handling large items due to the eccentricity of the advancing screw, which leads to inefficiencies in processing and requires lengthy time for retracting the core and inserting new items, restricting the size and weight of items that can be processed.

Innovation Solution

A food processing device with a gear housing, frame arm, drive screw, retention hub, and carrier that enables synchronized rotational and linear movement, allowing for efficient peeling, slicing, and coring, and is designed for attachment to a stand-based mixer for enhanced power and stability, with modular components for various cutting implements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hand-operated or powered device with an advancing screw is used, then peeling, slicing, and coring functions are achieved, but the device limits the size and weight of items that can be processed due to eccentricity of the advancing screw end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize and weight capacity of processable itemsVSAvoidscrew end stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the food processing function into separate modular components: a stationary base unit with drive mechanism and removable carrier assemblies with cutting implements. This segmentation allows the base to remain stable while carriers can be exchanged for different food items, overcoming the size/weight limitation caused by screw eccentricity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of advancing the food item through a fixed cutting mechanism, the invention reverses the approach by keeping the cutting implements stationary on the carrier and advancing the carrier itself along the screw. This inversion eliminates the eccentricity problem at the screw end while maintaining processing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a fixed cutting mechanism is used, then processing functions are achieved, but lengthy time is required for retracting the core and advancing a new food item

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtime for retracting core and inserting new item

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier assembly is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable on the base unit. After processing one food item, the entire carrier with the core can be quickly detached and replaced with a fresh carrier, eliminating the time-consuming retraction and repositioning operations required by fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple carriers can be prepared in advance with different cutting implements for different food items. When one carrier is depleted, a pre-prepared carrier is already ready for immediate replacement, minimizing downtime and maximizing processing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular design with multiple cutting implements is used, then versatile cutting functions are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting function versatilityVSAvoidnumber of modular components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of carriers with different cutting implements. Each carrier is standardized to fit the same interface, allowing one base unit to perform multiple cutting functions (peeling, slicing, coring) by simply changing the carrier, thereby managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device efficiently processes larger food items by ensuring synchronized rotational and linear movement, reducing processing time and allowing for easy handling of dense foods, while the modular design facilitates versatile cutting functions.

Implementation Method 1

a drive screw extending between and operably coupled on respective ends thereof with the gear housing and a support end of the frame arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

an input hub extending from the gear housing opposite the drive screw and the retention hub and operably engaged with both the drive screw and the retention hub to drive synchronized rotational movement thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11406214B2Modular food processing and preparation device

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A food processing device includes a gear housing, a frame arm extending from the gear housing on a first lateral side thereof to a support end, a drive screw extending between and operably coupled on respective ends thereof with a first face of the gear housing and the support end of the frame arm, and a retention hub operably coupled with the gear housing and extending generally parallel with and adjacent a portion of drive screw. The drive screw and the retention hub are linearly arranged with respect to the frame arm in sequential positions away from the first lateral side of the gear housing. The device further includes a carrier slidably coupled with the frame arm and operably engageable with the drive screw such that the rotational movement thereof drives corresponding linear movement of the carrier along the frame arm. The carrier defines at least one cutting implement thereon.