Variable-Width Whisk Frames for Better Mixing Turbulence

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food preparation whisks with rectangular frames lack efficiency in mixing food due to uniform width and orthogonal arrangement, leading to suboptimal turbulence and aeration.

Innovation Solution

The whisk design features rectangular frames with inflection points creating distinct widths, asymmetrical shapes, and inclined edges, allowing for enhanced mixing by creating a cavity through centrifugal force and improved turbulence when rotating, with a motor-driven rotation mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rectangular frames with uniform width are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mixing efficiency is insufficient due to lack of turbulence and aeration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure transitions from uniform width to variable width with inflection points, creating local variations in geometry. These local quality changes generate turbulence and aeration zones specifically where needed during rotation, improving mixing efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The frame design introduces asymmetry through inflection points that create distinct width variations. When rotated, these asymmetric features generate non-uniform flow patterns, centrifugal forces, and turbulence that significantly enhance mixing performance compared to symmetric uniform frames

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If orthogonal arrangement of frames is used, then the construction is straightforward, but the turbulence generation is suboptimal for effective aeration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaeration performanceVSAvoidconstruction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The orthogonal arrangement is maintained for construction simplicity, but local quality is enhanced by adding inflection points to the frames. These inflection points create specific zones that generate turbulence and aeration during rotation, improving aeration performance while preserving the straightforward orthogonal construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If frames with inflection points and distinct widths are used, then turbulence and aeration are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbulence generationVSAvoidframe fabrication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than completely redesigning the frame geometry, the invention applies local quality changes through inflection points on existing rectangular frames. This approach generates the required turbulence during rotation while keeping the overall manufacturing process similar to standard frame fabrication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The frame geometry parameters are modified by introducing inflection points that create distinct width zones. These parameter changes optimize turbulence generation during rotation while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing methods for rectangular frames

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The design significantly enhances mixing efficiency by increasing turbulence and aeration, allowing for better food incorporation and processing, especially when used in conjunction with a motor-driven rotation.

Implementation Method 1

the frames have two distinct widths on either side of the inflection point... creating a cavity through centrifugal force and improved turbulence when rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2498654B1Beater for a food preparation appliance and device provided with such a beater
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 SEB SA
  • EP2498654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2498654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2498654B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a beater for a food preparation appliance, including a drive rod (3) holding at least one frame (4,5) of generally rectangular shape extending longitudinally to the rod (3), characterized in that the frame (4,5) comprises longitudinal edges having a local inflection point (4c, 5c) at an area of restricted width such that the frame (4,5) has two separate widths to either side of the inflection point (4c, 5c).