Multi-Outlet Drive Mechanism for Compact Multi-Speed Food Processor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard multi-function food processing machines have a large size due to their drive mechanisms, which cannot efficiently accommodate different food processing speeds required for various food types, leading to inconvenient operation.

Innovation Solution

A compact drive mechanism with three distinct drive outlets, utilizing a motor output shaft with a cone gear set and worm gear, along with gear trains, allowing each outlet to operate at different speeds, enabling efficient processing of diverse food types with a single motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gear train is used to provide different speed outputs, then multiple processing speeds are achieved, but the overall volume of the drive mechanism becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple processing speedsVSAvoiddrive mechanism volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a planetary gear set where planet gears are nested around a central sun gear, and the entire planetary mechanism is contained within a compact housing. The motor output shaft connects directly to the sun gear, and planet carriers provide multiple output shafts at different radii, creating a nested configuration that achieves multiple speed ratios in a minimal volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The single planetary gear set serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides different speed ratios through different planet carrier configurations, transmits power to multiple output shafts, and maintains a compact structure. The same gear train architecture delivers both speed reduction and multi-speed capability without requiring separate gear trains for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of stationary object

If a compact drive mechanism is used to reduce size, then the overall volume is reduced, but the horizontal force transmission distance becomes long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive mechanism volumeVSAvoidforce transmission distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal force transmission to vertical/radial force transmission by arranging the planetary gears in a radial configuration around the sun gear. The planet gears engage with the sun gear radially, and power is transmitted vertically through the planet carriers to the output shafts, dramatically shortening the horizontal transmission distance while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear arrangement creates a spherical or radial force transmission path where planet gears are positioned equidistantly around the sun gear. This radial/spherical configuration optimizes the force transmission path, minimizing the horizontal distance while allowing power to be transmitted efficiently to multiple output shafts at different radial positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 solution provides a compact, stable, and efficient drive mechanism that allows for multiple rotating speeds, facilitating the processing of different foods with the same machine by simply changing the connected food processing component, resulting in improved working efficiency and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a first cone gear of a cone gear set and a worm; a first central drive shaft comprising a second cone gear of the cone gear set that meshes with the first cone gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a second central drive shaft comprising a worm gear that is driven by the worm of the motor output shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 3

a first reduction gear arrangement, said arrangement comprising a first gear train that meshes with a sun gear sleeved on the first central drive shaft; a second gear reduction arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary gear reduction: Epicyclic Gearing

Data Source

PatentUS10925440B2Driving mechanism for multi function food processor

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 HUIYANG ALLAN PLASTIC & ELECTRIC INDS

AI summary

Drive mechanism for a multi-function food processor with three drive outlets each couplable separately to a food processing component. The drive mechanism including: at one end of a motor, an output shaft having a first cone gear of a cone gear set and a worm; a first central drive shaft having a second cone gear meshing with the first cone gear, the first central drive shaft associated with the first and second drive outlets; the second drive outlet associated with the first central drive shaft by a first reduction gear arrangement which includes a first gear train meshing with a sun gear sleeved on the first central drive shaft; a second central drive shaft having a worm gear driven by the worm, the second central drive shaft associated with the third drive outlet; the third drive outlet associated with the second central drive shaft by a second gear reduction arrangement.