Motor-Driven Dicing Grid Assembly for Easy Food Processor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic food processors lack a motor-operated dicing feature, requiring manual operation and using screw-type retainers not suitable for domestic use, necessitating a motor-driven dicing tool assembly that is easily assembled and disassembled.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with a bowl assembly, carrier member, and cover member that define a food processing chamber, incorporating a drive mechanism to rotate a cutting tool with a dicing grid, allowing for motorized dicing without manual operation, featuring a snap-fit or twist-lock coupling for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw-type retainer assembly is used to secure the blade, then the blade is securely retained, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is segmented into a retainer body and a separate securing element (clip or latch mechanism), allowing the blade to be quickly engaged and disengaged without complex screw operations. The retainer body remains fixed while the securing element can be easily manipulated by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states through simple user action. The mechanism uses spring-loaded clips or cam-actuated latches that can be quickly engaged and disengaged, providing secure retention during operation but easy release when needed.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-operated dicing system is implemented, then dicing operation is automated and efficient, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven cutting tool and the dicing grid are merged into a single integrated assembly where the cutting tool rotates against the stationary grid to create diced pieces. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for cutting and dicing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven cutting tool serves multiple functions: it can rotate at different speeds for various cutting operations, work with different grid configurations for different dice sizes, and potentially perform both slicing and dicing operations depending on the grid attached. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
3Power
If commercial-grade dicing systems are adapted for domestic use, then powerful dicing capability is achieved, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The dicing system is divided into modular components: a motor assembly, a cutting tool, a dicing grid, and a housing. Each component can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained. The cutting tool and grid can be removed as a unit for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire motor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier or mounting mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor assembly and the cutting tool/grid combination. This intermediary allows for easy attachment and detachment of the cutting components, facilitating maintenance and cleaning while maintaining the powerful motor-driven dicing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A food processing device includes a dicing kit adapted to be received in a bowl which is coupled to a base. The dicing kit includes a dicing grid disposed within a frame which is coupled to a cover member having a rotating slicing tool disposed there between. The slicing tool is positively captured between the dicing grid frame and the cover member and is further adapted to rotate as powered by a motor disposed in the base portion of the food processor.