Custom Automatic Blender Details
Ideating Things:
Here the client knew what the device should ultimately do, they just were not sure how to get there. I was able to generate some sketches and come up with ideas to test.
How to Build:
We have our Idea, should we build it from scratch and test OR buy an existing product and tear it down, modify to meet our needs?
We selected an AvaMix 3 speed blender
(Model: HSS1GT)
Modifying:
I designed an electrical circuit equipped with a microcontroller for controlling both speed and rotation direction of the blender blades. Add some MOSFETS for controlling a couple of solenoid valves for filling and draining. Solder it together. Test it. Package this all up into a nice water-tight enclosure.
Design and Redesign:
I generated CAD for the changes to blender body
Fabricated it
Tested it
Made some small Redesign with fins on top with the goal of slowing down things and scooping water to the center
Another small redesign with a cage on the inside to increase drag/fluid friction and slow things down
Bigger could be better, redesigned with bigger diameter blender-jar and strainer basket
The assembled strainer Basket assembly
Tested Everything
Delivered Results to the Client:
Sorry, those are top-secret.