Micro Puree Machine Assembly Detection for Bowl and Blade Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro puree machines for making frozen foods and drinks are impractical for non-dessert food preparation due to user effort and time requirements, and lack clear indicators for proper assembly of the bowl and blade components.
Innovation Solution
A micro puree machine equipped with a microswitch that interacts with projections on the bowl and a lid assembly, including a cam member and plunger system, to alert users of correct installation and blade assembly, ensuring proper alignment and assembly through activation of the microswitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a micro puree machine is designed without assembly indication mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot discern when the bowl has been correctly installed or when the blade has been properly assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through microswitches that detect whether the bowl is correctly installed on the base and whether the blade is properly attached to the lid. When the bowl is correctly positioned, its projection engages with the base's receptacle, activating a microswitch to provide visual or audible feedback. Similarly, when the blade is properly assembled to the lid, another microswitch is activated. This feedback system guides users through the assembly process without requiring complex mechanical interlocks or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color change indicators (such as LED lights) that change state based on assembly status. When the bowl is correctly installed or the blade is properly attached, the corresponding microswitch activates a color change in the indicator light, providing immediate visual feedback to the user. This simple optical signal system achieves clear assembly confirmation without adding mechanical complexity to the coupling mechanisms themselves.
2Ease of operation
If assembly detection mechanisms are added to the micro puree machine, then the ease of operation improves through clear assembly indicators, but the device complexity increases due to additional microswitches and detection components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through microswitches that detect whether the bowl is correctly installed on the base and whether the blade is properly attached to the lid. When the bowl is correctly positioned, its projection engages with the base's receptacle, activating a microswitch to provide visual or audible feedback. Similarly, when the blade is properly assembled to the lid, another microswitch is activated. This feedback system guides users through the assembly process without requiring complex mechanical interlocks or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly detection system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The microswitches are automatically activated when the bowl or blade is correctly positioned, and the indication system self-regulates based on the mechanical engagement state. The system serves itself by using the natural movement and positioning of components during assembly to trigger the detection and indication mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate control inputs or complex user interfaces.
3Loss of information
If a micro puree machine lacks clear assembly indicators, then the manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the loss of information increases as users cannot confirm proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through microswitches that detect whether the bowl is correctly installed on the base and whether the blade is properly attached to the lid. When the bowl is correctly positioned, its projection engages with the base's receptacle, activating a microswitch to provide visual or audible feedback. Similarly, when the blade is properly assembled to the lid, another microswitch is activated. This feedback system guides users through the assembly process without requiring complex mechanical interlocks or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color change indicators (such as LED lights) that change state based on assembly status. When the bowl is correctly installed or the blade is properly attached, the corresponding microswitch activates a color change in the indicator light, providing immediate visual feedback to the user. This simple optical signal system achieves clear assembly confirmation without adding mechanical complexity to the coupling mechanisms themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A micro puree machine has a microswitch for interacting with projections on a bowl to alert the user that the bowl has been installed correctly to the machine housing. The microswitch also interacts with a plunger of a lid and blade assembly to alert the user that the blade has been properly assembled to the lid.