Multi-cook and food processing prep product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing appliances lack a comprehensive solution for multi-cook functionality that integrates heating, stirring, and mixing operations efficiently, with limited control over interlock mechanisms and attachment security.
Innovation Solution
A cooking and processing appliance with a container and housing system that includes a stirring mechanism, heating structure, and interlock system, where the lid operates to activate and deactivate the stirring mechanism and heating, ensuring secure attachment of processing attachments through a spiral-type blade shaft and stir-assist interlock, allowing for bi-directional stirring and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-cook appliance integrates heating, stirring, and mixing operations, then food processing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking functions (heating, stirring, mixing) into a single integrated appliance. The heating structure, stirring mechanism, and interlock system are merged within one device, allowing users to perform multiple food processing operations without needing separate appliances, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single device can perform heating, stirring, and mixing operations. The processing attachments are selectively disposable on the shaft, enabling the same base unit to handle various food processing tasks, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If an interlock system is implemented to control heating and stirring activation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system performs preliminary action by requiring the lid to be in the closed position before allowing activation of heating or stirring functions. This preliminary condition check ensures safety is established before operations commence, preventing accidental activation while maintaining a relatively simple control structure
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves as an intermediary element in the interlock system, mediating between the user and the heating/stirring activation. The lid's position (open or closed) acts as the intermediary condition that controls whether power is supplied to the heating structure or stirring mechanism, providing safety through a simple mechanical-electrical interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If processing attachments are selectively disposed on the shaft, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing attachments are segmented as separate, selectively disposable components rather than being integrated into the main unit. This segmentation allows different attachments to be used with the same shaft, improving adaptability. The shaft and attachment interface is designed with standardized features that enable precise alignment without requiring high manufacturing precision across the entire assembly
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 appliance provides efficient multi-cook functionality with secure attachment and controlled operations, enabling precise heating and stirring functions, enhancing food processing versatility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A heating structure is disposed within the housing and a wall of the container
Implementation Method 2
a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking and processing appliance includes a container having a lid and a stirring mechanism for rotating at least one processing attachment of a plurality of processing attachments, a housing having a receptacle for receiving the container and having a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism, a heating structure disposed within the housing and a wall of the container, a heating activation system included within the housing and the container, wherein the heating structure defines a heating-active state when the container is received within the receptacle, a mixing activation system, wherein the motor defines a mixing active state when the container is received within the receptacle and the lid is in a closed position and a control in communication with the heating structure and the stirring mechanism.