Stand mixers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stand mixers are limited by their fixed movement regime and structural constraints, which restrict the size and shape of bowls and impose operational limitations on the mixing tools, preventing flexible mixing patterns and efficient tool changes during processing.
Innovation Solution
The stand mixer features a head unit capable of independent movement along orthogonal linear tracks, allowing for flexible motion parallel and perpendicular to the tool axis, with an integrated motor and a juke-box like tool selector system for easy tool exchange, enabling the tool to reach any area within the bowl and facilitating automatic tool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If planetary drive systems are used, then mixing action is effective, but movement regime is fixed and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head unit is made dynamically movable along linear tracks instead of being fixed in position. The tool carrier can move relative to the bowl along guided tracks, enabling variable mixing patterns while maintaining mechanical simplicity. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility without requiring complex planetary drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system is segmented into independently movable components: the head unit moves along one set of tracks while the tool carrier moves along different tracks. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, providing mixing pattern flexibility without the need for complex integrated planetary drives.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed reach and tool dimensions are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but bowl size and shape options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carrier is equipped with linear movement capability along tracks that allow it to reach different positions within the bowl. This dynamic reach adjustment enables the tool to access ingredients in bowls of various sizes and shapes, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds linear movement dimensions to the tool carrier's capability, allowing it to move not only rotationally but also translationally along guided tracks. This dimensional enhancement enables the tool to reach any area within the bowl regardless of bowl size or shape, while maintaining mechanically simple linear guides.
3Productivity
If tool changes require stopping processing, then simplicity is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tools are pre-loaded onto the tool carrier in a juke-box style arrangement before the mixing process begins. This preliminary preparation allows tools to be exchanged during operation without stopping the mixing process, significantly improving productivity while keeping the exchange mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier automatically presents different tools to the head unit during the mixing process according to a predetermined sequence. This self-service mechanism enables continuous operation with automatic tool changes, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A stand mixer (10) comprises a head unit (50) capable of supporting at least one tool (70) suspended therefrom. The stand mixer (10) further comprises support means (60) for supporting said head unit (50) above a receiving location (30) for a mixing bowl (40) such that the said at least one tool (70) depends into said bowl (40) location. The stand mixer (10) further comprises means including an electric motor and associated transmission means for imparting rotary motion to said at least one tool (70). The stand mixer (10) further comprises means for causing or permitting the at least one tool (70) suspended from the head unit (50) to execute motion with at least two degrees of freedom in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the axis about which the at least one tool (70) rotates, whereby the at least one tool (70) can be bodily shifted, relative to the said bowl (60), whilst being rotated by the motor and transmission means.