Stand Mixer Shaft Height Adjustment Using Resilient Handle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stand mixers require cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments to change the height of utensils, necessitating additional accessories or manipulation to achieve a desired depth.
Innovation Solution
A shaft adjustment assembly for stand mixers that includes a handle rotatable about the circumferential direction, connected to an output shaft via a resilient member, allowing for quick and easy incremental height adjustments of attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional height adjustment methods are used, then utensil depth can be changed, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft adjustment assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the output shaft height along the axial direction. The resilient member enables the handle to be moved easily to adjust the shaft height, and the tab and groove mechanism provides automatic positioning at different height levels, transforming a static shaft into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to different utensil depths quickly
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete height positions defined by multiple grooves at different axial locations. The tab on the output shaft engages with these grooves to provide predetermined height settings, allowing users to select from multiple discrete positions rather than continuous adjustment, simplifying the operation while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional accessories are used to achieve desired depth, then utensil depth can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged directly into the shaft assembly itself. The output shaft integrates the resilient member, handle, and tab-groove positioning system, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices or accessories. This consolidation provides versatile height adjustment capability while keeping the device structure unified and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically biases the handle to engage with the grooves, providing self-locking at each height position. The tab on the output shaft automatically engages with the grooves when the handle is positioned, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the adjustment action to automatically secure the shaft at the desired height
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and easy adjustment of utensil depth within a bowl, enhancing user convenience and efficiency in food preparation operations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member connecting the handle with the output shaft, the resilient member biasing the handle along the axial direction and along the circumferential direction
Data Source
AI summary
A stand mixer includes a casing including a base, a column extending from the base, and a motor housing connected to the column; a motor assembly provided within the motor housing and including a motor shaft; and a shaft adjustment assembly operably coupled with the motor shaft, the shaft adjustment assembly including an output shaft connected with the motor shaft, the output shaft configured to receive a rotational input from the motor shaft, the output shaft including an attachment holder at a distal end thereof; a handle adjustably coupled with the output shaft, the handle being configured to be rotatable about the circumferential direction; and a resilient member connecting the handle with the output shaft, the resilient member biasing the handle along the axial direction and along the circumferential direction.