Stand mixers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand mixers face challenges in efficiently and economically accommodating attachments with different driving characteristics, such as blenders and food processors, due to the need for separate drive outlets and gearboxes, which are costly and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A stand mixer design featuring coaxial drive outlets on the upper surface, driven by an epicyclic gearbox, allowing for high and low-speed operations from the same motor, with a downward-facing drive outlet that can operate simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate motors and gearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive outlets and gearboxes are provided for blender and food processor attachments, then the mixer can drive different attachments with different driving characteristics, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal drive system where a single motor with an epicyclic gearbox provides multiple drive outlets (first, second, and third outlets) that can accommodate different attachment types. The epicyclic gearbox enables variable speed and torque characteristics through its planetary gear mechanism, allowing one motor to perform functions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated motors and gearboxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independent drive outlets (first, second, and third outlets) that can operate simultaneously or independently. Each outlet can be selectively engaged with different attachments, allowing the system to provide specialized driving characteristics to each attachment while sharing a common motor and gearbox core.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive outlets are provided for blender and food processor attachments, then different driving characteristics can be achieved, but additional gears and pick-offs are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The epicyclic gearbox serves as a universal transmission component that can deliver different speed and torque ratios to multiple drive outlets. This single gearbox replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate gearboxes and additional picking-off gears, significantly reducing the number of manufactured parts and assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate gearboxes are provided for different attachments, then driving speed and torque can be optimized for each attachment, but storage and fitment become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple gearbox functions into a single integrated epicyclic gearbox unit. Instead of requiring users to store and attach separate gearboxes for different attachments, the combined gearbox remains permanently mounted in the mixer head, providing optimized driving characteristics for all attachments through its multiple outlets and variable ratio capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single epicyclic gearbox is designed to universally serve multiple attachment types simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple separate gearbox components. The gearbox's multiple outlets and adjustable characteristics provide attachment-specific optimization without requiring separate units.
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 a wider range of attachments to be driven efficiently and conveniently, reducing costs and complexity by using a single motor and gearbox arrangement, while maintaining stability and preventing fluid ingress into the gearbox.
Implementation Method 1
driven from the motor by means of an epicyclic gearbox; the motor being housed in said support means with its drive shaft in substantial alignment with said coaxial drive outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A stand mixer 10 comprises a head unit 50 having a lower surface presenting, in operation, a downwardly-facing drive outlet for driving in rotation at least one tool suspended therefrom. The head unit is supported with the downwardly-facing drive outlet above a receiving location 30 for a mixing bowl 40. Driving means, including an electric motor 70 and associated transmission means for conveying rotary drive to the drive outlet, are provided. The mixer further comprises first 80 and second 90 coaxial driving outlets presented on an upper surface 52 of the head unit 50; the coaxial outlets 80, 90 run at different speeds and are driven from the motor 70 by means of an epicyclic gearbox 100. The motor 70 is housed in the support means 60 with its drive shaft 72 in substantial alignment with the coaxial drive outlets 80, 90.