Storage Caddy with Nested Compartments for Food Processor Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processor assemblies lack an efficient and organized storage solution for their components, leading to disorganization and inconvenience in accessing and storing various parts.
Innovation Solution
A storage caddy with an upper and lower platform, side walls, and guide posts and retention features that securely engage and organize food processor components, allowing for convenient storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no storage solution is provided for food processor components, then the device structure remains simple, but the components become disorganized and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The storage caddy is designed to nest within the food processor assembly, with the caddy body fitting into the receptacle space. Multiple components are stored in a nested arrangement where smaller items fit within larger compartments, maximizing space utilization while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage caddy is divided into multiple compartments and sections within its body, with guide posts creating distinct storage zones. This segmentation allows different food processor components to be organized in separate areas, improving accessibility and organization without requiring a completely separate storage system.
2Productivity
If components are stored without designated positions, then the storage structure remains simple, but organization and retrieval efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the storage caddy are designed with specific qualities suited to particular components. The guide posts create localized engagement zones with specific geometries matched to corresponding features on food processor components, ensuring each item has a designated position optimized for its shape and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide posts and retention features are pre-configured in the storage caddy to automatically guide components into their correct positions during storage. This preliminary organization action eliminates the need for manual arrangement and ensures consistent, efficient retrieval locations without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If retention features are added to secure components, then component stability improves, but the storage structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features are designed to automatically engage with food processor components without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The guide posts and retention elements on the caddy body self-engage with corresponding features on the components, providing stable retention through passive mechanical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide posts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide components into position, provide structural support, and work with retention features to secure components. By merging these functions into a single integrated element, the design achieves reliable component stability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage caddy (12) for storing food processor assembly components includes an upper platform (14) that defines an upper aperture (16), and a lower platform (18) that defines a lower aperture (20). A side wall (22) extends between the upper and lower platforms (14, 18). The side wall (22) includes an interior surface (24) that generally defines an interior receiving space (26) in communication with the upper and lower apertures (16, 20). The side wall (22) further includes an exterior surface (28) opposite the interior surface (24). A retention feature (38) is coupled to the exterior surface (28) of the side wall (22). A guide post (208) extends upward from the upper platform (14).