Removable Feed Tube Assembly for Flexible Food Processor Lids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing devices lack ease of use and functionality in terms of feed tube operation, as they often require complex attachment and detachment mechanisms that can be cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

A food processor design featuring a removable feed tube that can be securely attached to the lid using a ring latch mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and an optional simple cover to close off the feed tube opening for different processing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex attachment mechanism is used for the feed tube, then the feed tube can be securely attached to the lid, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidfeed tube operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feed tube assembly is segmented into separate components: the feed tube itself and the lid with attachment features. This allows the feed tube to be easily detached and reattached without manipulating complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feed tube is extracted as a removable component from the lid assembly. Users can easily remove the feed tube by simply pulling it out from the feed tube opening, and reattach it by inserting it back, eliminating the need for complex attachment mechanisms while maintaining secure connection during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the feed tube is permanently attached to the lid, then attachment security is maintained, but the device lacks flexibility for different processing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidprocessing operations flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The feed tube attachment is designed to be dynamically changeable between attached and detached states. The feed tube can be securely attached when needed for ingredient addition, and easily removed when not needed, allowing the device to adapt to different processing operations such as covering the feed tube opening with the lid alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a removable feed tube design is implemented, then ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but the risk of improper attachment or loss may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachmentVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feed tube design incorporates self-aligning features where the feed tube automatically positions itself correctly as it is inserted into the lid opening. The tapered or shaped interface ensures proper alignment without requiring user manipulation, maintaining attachment security while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9615695B2Food processor having removable feed tube

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 CONAIR CORP

AI summary

A food processor having a removable feed tube is provided. The food processor includes a work bowl and a lid configured to be selectively removable from the work bowl and having a feed tube opening. A removable feed tube is selectively attached to the lid and extends upwards from the feed tube opening when attached to the lid. The food processor also includes a simple cover that can be utilized in place of the removable feed tube to close off the feed tube opening.