Removable Gearbox Lid for Dishwasher-Safe Stick Mixers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors require a speed-reducing gearbox between the high-speed motor of a stick mixer and the blade, which is typically permanently housed in the lid, making it unsuitable for submersion cleaning or dishwasher use.
Innovation Solution
A removable gearbox is integrated between the stick mixer motor and the food processor's mechanical input, allowing the lid to be washed in a dishwasher and featuring a safety mechanism to prevent direct spindle engagement, ensuring the gearbox is securely housed within the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gearbox is permanently housed within the lid of the food processor, then the speed reduction function is achieved, but the lid cannot be submerged or dishwasher cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox is segmented from the lid structure, allowing it to be a separate removable component. This enables the lid to be cleaned in the dishwasher while the gearbox can be removed and cleaned separately or maintained outside the washing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox is extracted from the permanent housing within the lid and made into a removable unit. This extraction allows the lid to be freely cleanable while the gearbox functions independently when attached during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the gearbox is made removable from the lid, then the lid can be washed in a dishwasher, but the risk of accidental disengagement during use increases
Solution Approach 1:
A safety mechanism is built into the gearbox attachment system that requires a specific action (such as pressing a release button or performing a twisting motion) to disengage the gearbox from the lid. This preliminary action requirement prevents accidental disengagement during normal use while still allowing intentional removal for cleaning.
3Device complexity
If the intermediate coupling allows direct driving by the output spindle, then the structure is simpler, but safety is compromised as the gearbox could disengage accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate coupling mechanism is introduced between the output spindle and the gearbox input. This intermediary component provides a controlled engagement interface that prevents direct coupling, thereby avoiding accidental disengagement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A food processing lid is used with a cooperating bowl and a stick mixer handle. The lid has a feed tube and a recess for receiving a removeable gearbox that is driven by a stick mixer.