Removable Cup Guide Interlock for Cleaner Spindle Mixers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spindle mixers face contamination issues with foodstuff entering the interlock assembly, making cleaning difficult and potentially leading to bacterial growth, and there is a risk of accidental motor engagement due to exposed switch mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A spindle mixer with an interlock assembly featuring a cup guide and actuator pin that selectively engages the motor, where the cup guide is designed to prevent foodstuff entry and can be easily removed for cleaning, and an optional bypass switch allows manual motor operation without actuating the pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an exposed slot or aperture is used in the mixer housing for the switch mechanism, then the switch can be actuated by the cup rim, but foodstuff can enter and contaminate the interior of the mixer housing
Solution Approach 1:
The cup guide is segmented into a removable outer portion and a fixed inner portion. The removable outer portion can be detached for cleaning, preventing foodstuff accumulation and contamination in the switch mechanism area while maintaining the actuation function during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator switch is extracted from the exposed slot and repositioned inside the mixer housing, eliminating the direct opening to the exterior. The cup guide acts as an intermediary that transmits motion without requiring an exposed aperture, thus preventing foodstuff entry.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed cup guide is used to support the cup, then the cup is properly positioned, but the cup guide becomes difficult to clean and sanitize
Solution Approach 1:
The cup guide is divided into removable and fixed portions, allowing the removable portion to be detached for thorough cleaning and sanitizing while the fixed portion remains in place to maintain cup positioning stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup guide transitions from a completely fixed structure to a dynamic system where the outer portion can be removed when needed for cleaning, providing both operational stability and maintenance accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator switch opening is exposed, then the switch mechanism is accessible, but the switch can become contaminated with foodstuff impeding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator switch is moved from an exposed external position to an internal position within the mixer housing, eliminating direct exposure to foodstuff while maintaining operational accessibility through the cup guide mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup guide serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits actuation force to the switch without requiring direct exposure of the switch to the exterior environment, thus preventing contamination while maintaining functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the cup guide dimension is large enough for cup placement, then the cup fits properly, but fingers can accidentally engage the actuator switch
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator switch is extracted from the cup guide exterior surface and repositioned inside the mixer housing, eliminating the possibility of accidental finger activation while maintaining cup placement functionality through the guide structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.