Plunger retention assembly for a micro-puree machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro-puree machines require significant user effort and time to complete the ice cream-making process, and are impractical for preparing most non-dessert food products due to the lack of an efficient bowl locking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The development of a micro-puree machine with an automatic bowl lock system, which includes a plunger retention assembly with a lid that defines a central passage for a plunger coupling, and retainers that move between engagement and disengagement positions to securely lock the plunger in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual plunger insertion method is used, then the device structure can be simpler, but the user effort and time required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser effort and timeVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger retention assembly automatically engages and locks the plunger in place without requiring manual intervention. The system uses spring-loaded retainers that self-engage with the plunger's engagement features, eliminating the need for users to manually secure the plunger while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retainers are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the plunger's engagement features as the plunger is inserted. This preliminary positioning and automatic engagement mechanism reduces user effort and time while avoiding complex manual locking procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the plunger is permanently fixed in the lid, then the locking reliability improves, but the adaptability for different operations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplunger locking reliabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system uses movable, spring-loaded retainers that can dynamically engage and disengage from the plunger's engagement features. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable locking during operation while allowing easy release when needed, enabling the system to adapt between different operational states without permanent fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retainers act as intermediary elements between the plunger and the lid, providing reliable mechanical engagement through engagement features. These intermediaries enable secure locking while maintaining the ability to release and reposition the plunger for different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the retainer engagement features are complex, then the plunger retention security improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplunger retention securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is segmented into distinct functional elements: spring-loaded retainers mounted in the lid, engagement features on the plunger, and corresponding receptacles. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving secure retention through the coordinated interaction of multiple simple features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250072463A1Plunger retention assembly for a micro-puree machine

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

A plunger retention assembly for a micro-puree machine includes a lid coupleable to a bowl. The lid defines a central passage through an interior of the lid. A plunger coupling is extendable through the central passage. A plunger has an attachment portion insertable through the central passage from a bottom surface of the lid. The attachment portion defines a channel for removeably receiving the plunger coupling.