Stovetop Popper Agitator with Offset Arm for Even Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stovetop popcorn poppers often result in burnt kernels at the bottom due to uneven heating, and stirring mechanisms can cause popped corn to spill and are difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pot and lid assembly that includes a crank and linkage system for rotating an agitator assembly with angled blades to lift and tumble kernels, preventing burning and sticking, and allowing easy removal and cleaning without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If kernels are heated in a stationary pot, then heating efficiency is improved, but bottom kernels burn before all kernels pop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary pot into a dynamic system where the pot rotates on its axis during the popping process. This rotation ensures that kernels previously at the bottom (which would burn) are periodically lifted and redistributed, allowing all kernels to be exposed to optimal heating conditions throughout the popping process, thus preventing burning while maintaining heating efficiency
2Ease of operation
If a stirring mechanism is attached to the lid, then kernel mixing is improved, but popped corn spills when lid is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the stirring mechanism from the lid assembly and making it an independent, detachable component. The stirring blades are mounted on the rotating pot rather than the lid, allowing the lid to be removed cleanly without the stirring mechanism interfering with the popped corn, thus preventing spillage while maintaining effective kernel mixing during the popping process
3Ease of operation
If a stirring mechanism is attached to the lid, then kernel mixing is improved, but cleaning becomes difficult requiring disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the stirring mechanism into separate, detachable components that can be easily removed from the pot. The stirring blades are mounted on the rotating pot in a manner that allows them to be detached and cleaned separately, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures while maintaining effective kernel mixing functionality during operation
4Quantity of substance
If oil, sugar, and salt are added to the pot, then flavor and texture are improved, but kernels and popped corn stick to the interior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the pot during the popping process, which continuously moves kernels and popped corn away from the interior surfaces where oil, sugar, and salt cause sticking and burning. This dynamic motion ensures that even with flavoring ingredients present, the corn does not remain stationary on hot surfaces long enough to burn or stick, allowing full use of flavoring ingredients without the harmful sticking effect
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for popping corn can include a pot, a lid assembly configured to mate with the pot, and an agitator assembly configured to be positioned within an interior volume of the pot, and to releasably engage the lid assembly when the lid assembly is mated with the pot. The agitator assembly can include at least one blade configured to cause un-popped kernels of corn within the pot to tumble as the agitator assembly is rotated within the pot, to help prevent sticking and burning of the kernels. The agitator assembly also can include at least one arm that transmits torque to the blade. The arm can be offset laterally from the axis of rotation of the agitator assembly.