Automatic and adjustable spiralizer apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing technologies lack versatility and efficiency in peeling, slicing, coring, and spiralizing various food substrates, as they often require multiple devices and are not easily adaptable to different sizes and types of food.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional food processing device with a motorized auger assembly, clutch system, and adjustable peeler and processing assembly that can peel, slice, core, and spiralize food substrates, featuring a removable and adjustable design to accommodate various food sizes and types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for peeling, slicing, coring, and spiralizing different food substrates, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The food processing device integrates multiple processing functions (peeling, slicing, coring, spiralizing) into a single device through interchangeable processing assemblies. Each assembly can be removed and replaced based on the desired operation, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular components including a base portion, motor housing, and interchangeable processing assemblies. This segmentation allows users to replace only the processing assembly needed for the current task rather than replacing entire devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the processing assembly is fixed and not adjustable, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different sizes and types of food substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different food sizesVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing assembly incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned or reconfigured to accommodate different food substrate sizes and types. The interchangeable nature of the assemblies allows the device to adapt its processing configuration based on the specific food being processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows changing operational parameters by swapping processing assemblies designed for different functions and food types. Each assembly is optimized for specific parameters (blade angle, cutting depth, spiral tightness), and selecting the appropriate assembly changes these parameters without requiring complex adjustments within each assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the clutch assembly is permanently engaged with the auger assembly, then the motor power transmission is more reliable, but the auger assembly cannot be easily removed for cleaning or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of auger removalVSAvoidmotor-auger connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch assembly is designed to be selectively disengaged from the auger assembly, allowing the auger to be extracted and removed for cleaning or replacement. The disconnect feature provides a simple mechanism to separate the motor-driven auger from the processing assembly without permanently coupling them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch assembly is positioned and configured to allow preliminary disengagement before removal. This enables users to disconnect the motor drive from the auger assembly in advance of cleaning or replacement operations, making the maintenance process easier while maintaining reliable power transmission during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the processing assembly is permanently mounted to the base portion, then the structural stability is improved, but the processing assembly cannot be easily removed for cleaning or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of processing assembly removalVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a base portion and a removable processing assembly connected through a drip tray assembly. This segmentation allows the processing assembly to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement while maintaining structural stability during operation through proper mounting interfaces and engagement features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12133606B2Automatic and adjustable spiralizer apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.11.05 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • US12133606B2 patent drawing
  • US12133606B2 patent drawing
  • US12133606B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A food processing device includes a base portion with a motor housing upwardly extending from a first end of the base portion. A motor is disposed within the motor housing. A processing assembly extends upwardly from a second end of the base portion and is spaced-apart from the motor housing to define a processing area therebetween. An auger assembly includes an auger shaft that is operably coupled to the motor for driving rotational movement of the auger shaft. A clutch assembly is disposed within the motor housing and is operable between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. A disconnect feature is disposed on the motor housing and configured to selectively actuate movement of the clutch assembly between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. In use, a food substrate is mounted to the processing accessory and the auger shaft to process the food substrate.