Storage caddy for a food processor assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processor assemblies lack an efficient and organized method for storing and retaining various components, leading to disorganization and difficulty in access and storage.

Innovation Solution

A storage caddy with an upper and lower platform, side wall, guide posts, and retention features that securely store food processor components by mating engagement and magnetic attraction, allowing for convenient storage within a receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If food processor components are stored without a dedicated storage structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the organization and accessibility of components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess and storage of componentsVSAvoidstorage structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage caddy is designed to nest within the food processor assembly, with the caddy body fitting into the housing. Multiple components are stored in a nested arrangement within the caddy's interior space, maximizing space utilization while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the caddy body, side walls forming interior spaces, guide posts for component positioning, and retention features for securing components. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall storage organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multiple food processor components are stored together without retention features, then the storage capacity increases, but the reliability of component retention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of components storedVSAvoidcomponent retention stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Retention features are pre-positioned on the storage caddy at specific locations corresponding to where components will be stored. Guide posts are预先 positioned to guide components into their correct storage positions, ensuring components are retained reliably from the moment of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retention features and guide posts act as intermediary elements between the storage caddy and the food processor components. These intermediaries provide the mechanical connection that secures components in place, enabling reliable retention without direct integration between the caddy and components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If guide posts and retention features are added to the storage caddy, then the reliability of component storage improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent storage stabilityVSAvoidstorage caddy structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide posts and retention features are integrated into the storage caddy structure as unified elements. The side walls of the caddy are configured to form interior spaces that incorporate both guidance and retention functions, merging multiple features into a cohesive structural design rather than separate add-on components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230414041A1Storage caddy for a food processor assembly

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 WHIRLPOOL CORP

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 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).