Programmable Blender with Integrated Record and Playback Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blenders lack the ability to record and playback customized blending sequences in real-time, requiring users to adjust motor speed consistently and limiting complexity, with external programming devices and cards being inconvenient and costly, and not allowing user feedback or real-time modifications.

Innovation Solution

A blender with a memory unit and user-adjustable features that can record and playback blending sequences, including motor speed variations, using a program selector switch and data interface for communication with remote devices for modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external programming devices and magnetic strip cards are used to store blending sequences, then blending sequences can be stored and transferred, but the system becomes expensive and inconvenient due to component costs and card management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblending sequence storage capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the memory storage unit directly into the blender device itself, eliminating the need for separate external programming devices and magnetic strip cards. The control module includes an integrated memory unit that stores blending sequences locally, merging previously separate components (blender, programming device, and storage card) into a single unified device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the memory storage function from external devices and embeds it within the blender's control module. By taking out the dependency on external programming devices and cards, the system achieves self-containment while maintaining blending sequence storage and playback capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If traditional programmable blenders with limited drink programs are used, then basic blending functions are available, but the complexity of blending sequences is limited and user customization is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser customization capabilityVSAvoidblending sequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic blending sequences where motor speed and operating parameters can vary continuously during the blending process. Instead of fixed pre-programmed sequences, the system allows real-time adjustments and recordings of speed variations, making the blending process adaptive and flexible to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the user can observe the blending process in real-time and adjust parameters during operation. The system records these adjustments and allows playback of the customized sequences, creating a feedback loop that enables continuous refinement and customization of blending programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If users manually adjust motor speed for each blending operation, then consistency can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires consistent user attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblending consistencyVSAvoidtime per blending operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows users to record and store blending sequences in advance, capturing the exact motor speed adjustments and timing required for consistent results. These pre-recorded sequences are then played back automatically, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during each blending operation while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates copies of successful blending sequences by recording the motor speed and timing parameters. These recorded sequences can be replayed multiple times, allowing users to replicate consistent blending results without manually recreating the same adjustments each time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If blenders lack real-time recording capability, then simpler hardware is required, but users cannot create customized blending sequences based on real-time observations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time customization capabilityVSAvoidrecording system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the blender to record its own operating parameters during the blending process. The control module automatically captures motor speed, timing, and other operational data without requiring external recording equipment, allowing the device to serve its own documentation and analysis needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10687669B2Programmable blender having record and playback features
Publication Date: 2020.06.23 VITA MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
  • US10687669B2 patent drawing
  • US10687669B2 patent drawing
  • US10687669B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A programmable blender having record and playback features includes a record mode and a playback mode. When the blender is placed into the record mode, a processor stores a user created blending sequence to a memory unit. Alternatively, when the blender is placed into a playback mode, the processor automatically controls the operation of the blender in accordance with the stored blending sequence.