Patent Publication Number: US-2023157484-A1

Title: Container detection system for a countertop appliance

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,254, filed on Nov. 23, 2021, entitled “CONTAINER DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A COUNTERTOP APPLIANCE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a countertop appliance, and more specifically, to a container detection system for a countertop appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a countertop appliance comprises interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each having a base. The first container includes a first magnet coupled to the base of the first container at a first distance and the second container includes a second magnet coupled to the base of the second container at a second distance. A housing includes a motor and an attachment portion. The interchangeable containers are selectively and operably coupled to the attachment portion of the housing. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the housing. The analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect the first magnet at the first distance and the second magnet at the second distance. A controller is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor. The controller is configured to identify one of the interchangeable containers based on the detected distance of one of the first magnet and the second magnet. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a countertop appliance includes interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each including a lid and a body that defines a channel. An activation rod is disposed within the channel and includes a magnet. The activation rod is translated via the lid of the interchangeable containers. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the magnet of the activation rod. The analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect a distance of the magnet relative to the analog magnetic sensor. A controller is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor. The controller is configured to identify when the lid is in a closed position based on the distance of the magnet detected by the analog magnetic sensor. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a countertop appliance includes interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each having a base. The first container includes a first magnet coupled to the base of the first container at a first distance and the second container includes a second magnet coupled to the base of the second container at a second distance. A housing includes a motor and an attachment portion. The interchangeable containers are selectively and operably coupled to the attachment portion of the housing. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the housing and is configured to detect a polarity of the first magnet at the first distance and a polarity of the second magnet at the second distance. A controller is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor configured to identify one of the interchangeable containers based on the detected polarity and the detected distance of one of the first magnet and the second magnet. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of a countertop appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom perspective view of interchangeable containers of the present disclosure with a first container and a second container including a first magnet and a second magnet, respectively; 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom perspective view of interchangeable containers of the present disclosure and a top perspective view of a base of a countertop appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a countertop appliance of the present disclosure with a first magnet and an analog magnetic sensor; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a countertop appliance of the present disclosure with a second magnet and an analog magnetic sensor; 
         FIG.  6    is a side cross-sectional view of a countertop appliance with an interchangeable container in an open position according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a side cross-sectional view of a countertop appliance with an interchangeable container in a closed position according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic block diagram of a container detection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a side perspective view of a countertop appliance of the present disclosure in communication with a wireless communication interface and a remote user device; 
         FIG.  10    is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of the first magnet of the first container taken at area VIII of  FIG.  2    and depicting a South polarity of the first magnet; and 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of the second magnet of the second container taken at area IX of  FIG.  2    and depicting a North polarity. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a container detection system for a countertop appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 11   , reference numeral  10  generally designates a countertop appliance including interchangeable containers  12 . The interchangeable containers  12  include a first container  14  and a second container  16  that each have a base  18 . The first container  14  includes a first magnet  20  coupled to the base  18  of the first container  14  at a first distance D 1 . The second container  16  includes a second magnet  22  coupled to the base  18  of the second container  16  at a second distance D 2 . A housing  24  includes a motor  26  and an attachment portion  28 . The interchangeable containers  12  are selectively and operably coupled to the attachment portion  28  of the housing  24 . An analog magnetic sensor  30  is disposed proximate the attachment portion  28  of the housing  24  and is configured to detect the first magnet  20  at the first distance D 1  and the second magnet  22  at the second distance D 2 . A controller  32  is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor  30 . The controller  32  is configured to identify one of the first container  14  and the second container  16  based on the respective detected distances D 1 , D 2  of one of the first magnet  20  and the second magnet  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the countertop appliance  10  is illustrated with the interchangeable containers  12 , which include the first container  14  and the second container  16 . Additionally or alternatively, the interchangeable containers  12  may include more than two containers, such that each container of the interchangeable containers  12  includes the base  18  and can be coupled to the housing  24 . By way of example, not limitation, the first container  14  can be a blender jar, and the second container  16  can be a food processor jar. The interchangeable containers  12  each includes a body  40  that defines a cavity  42  in which food items may be disposed. A lid  44  is selectively and/or hingedly coupled to the body  40  of each of the interchangeable containers  12  to provide selective access to the cavity  42 . The base  18  of the interchangeable containers  12  extends from the body  40  and includes sidewalls  46  and an upper portion  48  through which a blade assembly  50  can partially extend. 
     In one configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the sidewalls  46  of the body  40  define a channel  52  in which an activation rod  54  is disposed. The rod  54  includes an engagement end  56  and an activation end  58 , which includes the first and/or second magnet  20 ,  22 . A biasing member  60  is disposed around the engagement end  56  and is configured to bias the activation rod  54  between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The activation rod  54  is illustrated as being proximate to a handle  62  of the containers  12 . Additionally or alternatively, the activation rod  54  may be positioned in any practicable location of the containers  12 . 
     The activation rod  54  can include either of the first and/or second magnets  20 ,  22  and is configured to translate the respective magnet  20 ,  22  toward the analog magnetic sensor  30  when the lid  44  is closed. The magnets  20 ,  22 , along with the activation rod  54 , can communicate with the analog magnetic sensor  30  when the lid  44  is in closed or open positions. The communication detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30  is based on the detected distance of the respective magnet  20 ,  22  relative to the analog magnetic sensor  30 , as described below. 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the blade assembly  50  of the interchangeable containers  12  includes a blade driveshaft  70  and blade attachments  72  that may be permanently coupled to the blade driveshaft  70  and/or removably coupled to the blade driveshaft  70 . For example, the blade attachment  72  of the first container  14  may be fixedly coupled to the blade driveshaft  70 , such that the blade assembly  50  is a single unitary construction. Additionally or alternatively, the blade attachments  72  of the second container  16  may be removably coupled to the blade driveshaft  70  and may include multiple variations of blade attachments  72 . The blade driveshaft  70  extends through the upper portion  48  of the base  18  to operably couple each of the interchangeable containers  12  with the housing  24 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , each of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  can be coupled to the upper portion  48  of the base  18  of the interchangeable containers  12 . For example, it is generally contemplated that the first magnet  20  is coupled to the upper portion  48  of the base  18  of the first container  14 , as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . Positioning of the first magnet  20  on the upper portion  48  defines the first distance D 1  relative to the housing  24 . Stated differently, the first distance D 1  is defined between the first magnet  20  and the analog magnetic sensor  30 , as described in more detail below. The second distance D 2  of the second magnet  22  is defined between the second magnet  22  and the analog magnetic sensor  30 . It is generally contemplated that the analog magnetic sensor  30  may be a Hall effect sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the analog magnetic sensor  30  may be any sensor practicable for detecting the first and second magnets  20 ,  22 . The second magnet  22  may also be coupled to the upper portion  48  of the base  18  on the second container  16 . The second distance D 2  may be greater than the first distance D 1 , such that the second magnet  22  is positioned further from the housing  24 . The positioning of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  is described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the housing  24  of the countertop appliance  10  may be referred to as a common motor base, such that the housing  24  is configured to receive and is common to both the first container  14  and the second container  16 . Stated differently, the housing  24  is configured to receive any one of the interchangeable containers  12  via the attachment portion  28 . The housing  24  includes a user interface  80  and the analog magnetic sensor  30  that is operably coupled to the attachment portion  28  of the housing  24 . The attachment portion  28  includes a receiving surface  82  defined by peripheral walls  84  and a coupling feature  86 . The housing  24  also includes the motor  26  and a motor driveshaft  88 . The motor driveshaft  88  is operably coupled to the coupling feature  86  and selectively and operably coupled to the blade driveshaft  70  of the interchangeable containers  12 . 
     It is generally contemplated that the analog magnetic sensor  30  is disposed within the attachment portion  28  proximate to the motor driveshaft  88  and peripheral walls  84  to detect the interchangeable containers  12  positioned on the housing  24 . The attachment portion  28  of the housing  24  is configured to receive each of the first and second containers  14 ,  16 , such that the attachment portion  28  is configured as a universal attachment portion  28 , as mentioned above. The motor driveshaft  88  extends from the motor  26  through the receiving surface  82  of the attachment portion  28  and is configured to operably couple to the blade assembly  50  of each of the interchangeable containers  12 . Stated differently, the blade driveshaft  70  of the interchangeable containers  12  is operably coupled to the motor driveshaft  88  via the coupling feature  86  of the housing  24  to operate the blade assembly  50 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , it is contemplated that the motor  26  is operably and communicatively coupled with the controller  32 . The housing  24  includes the user interface  80  ( FIG.  3   ), which is also communicatively coupled with the controller  32 . It is generally contemplated that the controller  32  is part of a container detection system  100 , described further below, that also includes the analog magnetic sensor  30 . The controller  32  of the container detection system  100  includes a memory storage  102  that can be configured with routines  104 . The controller  32  may also be configured with a processor  106  and/or other control circuitry. The processor  106  is configured to execute the routines  104  stored in the memory storage  102  based on the data and/or communications received by the controller  32 . 
     The control circuitry of the controller  32  may include communication circuitry  108  for bidirectional communication. For example, the controller  32  may be communicatively coupled with a wireless communication interface  110  via the communication circuitry  108 . While the memory storage  102  can be included within the controller  32 , cloud storage, or other remotely accessible memory interfaces can also be used instead of or in combination with the memory storage  102 . It is also contemplated that the controller  32  may be on board the countertop appliance  10 . 
     The wireless communication interface  110  may be implemented via one or more direct or indirect nonhierarchical communication protocols, including but not limited to, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® low energy (BLE), Thread, Ultra-Wideband, Z-wave, ZigBee®, etc. Additionally, the wireless communication interface  110  may correspond to a centralized or hierarchal wireless communication interface  110  where one or more of the devices communicate via the wireless router (e.g., a communication routing controller). Accordingly, the wireless communication interface  110  may be implemented by a variety of communication protocols, including, but not limited to, global system for mobile communication (GSM), general packet radio services, code division multiple access, enhanced data GSM environment, fourth-generation (4G) wireless, fifth-generation (5G) wireless, Wi-Fi, world interoperability for wired microwave access (WiMAX), local area network, Ethernet, etc. By flexibly implementing the wireless communication interface  110 , the various devices and servers may be in communication with one another directly via the wireless communication interface  110  or a cellular data connection. 
     The controller  32  disclosed herein may include various types of control circuitry, digital or analog, and may include a processor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other circuitry configured to perform the various inputs or outputs, control, analysis, or other functions described herein. The memory storage  102  described herein may be implemented in a variety of volatile and nonvolatile memory formats. Routines  104  may include operating instructions to enable the various methods described herein. 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the routines  104  of the memory storage  102  may include container protocols  90  which correspond to the functional operation of the countertop appliance  10  and depend on the interchangeable containers  12  detected by the container detection system  100 . The controller  32  is configured to display the container protocols  90  on the user interface  80  ( FIG.  3   ) based on a signal received from the analog magnetic sensor  30 . The container protocols  90  can include a blender protocol  114  associated with the first container  14  and a food processor protocol  116  associated with the second container  16 . It is generally contemplated that the respective container protocol  112  may be displayed on a remote user device  118  to allow the user to operate the countertop appliance  10  from the remote user device  118 . 
     The controller  32  is also configured with a filter algorithm  120  that detects the magnets  20 ,  22  repeatedly to detect the respective container  14 ,  16 . For example, the filter algorithm  120  is triggered once the analog magnetic sensor  30  detects the presence of the magnet  20 ,  22 , and the filter algorithm  120  is configured to repeatedly read the distance of the magnet  20 ,  22  relative to the analog magnetic sensor  30 . Stated differently, the filter algorithm  120  reads the distance of the magnets  20 ,  22  multiple times over a first predetermined period of time T 1 , is idle for a second predetermined period of time T 2 , and then repeatedly reads the distance of the magnets  20 ,  22  a second time. The controller  32  can compare the detected distances of the magnets  20 ,  22  to determine whether the respective container  14 ,  16  has remained stationary. The filter algorithm  120  assists the controller  32  in detecting when the container  14 ,  16  is stationary on the housing  24 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the controller  32  may be communicatively coupled with the remote user device  118  via the wireless communication interface  110  to execute selected protocols of the container protocol  112  that may be displayed. As described further below, the controller  32  receives the signal from the analog magnetic sensor  30  to indicate which of the container protocols  90  to activate. The analog magnetic sensor  30  is configured to measure the magnetic field of, at least, the first magnet  20  and the second magnet  22 . For example, the signal received by the analog magnetic sensor  30  can be stronger when the first and/or second magnets  20 ,  22  are positioned directly over the analog magnetic sensor  30 . It is also contemplated that the distance between the first magnet  20  or the second magnet  22  and the analog magnetic sensor  30  may affect the signal detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30 . Stated differently, the analog magnetic sensor  30  can detect the different distances D 1 , D 2  to identify the respective interchangeable container  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the interchangeable containers  12  may include the activation rod  54  described above to identify the respective container  12  disposed on the housing  24 . The analog magnetic sensor  30  may also detect when the lid  44  of the interchangeable containers  12  is closed, such that the motor  26  may remain inactive until the analog magnetic sensor  30  detects the respective magnet  20 ,  22 . The engagement end  56  of the activation rod  54  remains extended above the sidewalls  46  of the interchangeable containers  12  when the lid  44  is in the open position. The blade assembly  50  can remain inactive, despite the analog magnetic sensor  30  detecting the respective magnet  20 ,  22 , when the lid  44  is in the open position. 
     Once the lid  44  is closed, the activation rod  54  is biased toward the analog magnetic sensor  30 . The analog magnetic sensor  30  can detect the change in position of the respective magnet  20 ,  22 , and the controller  32  can activate the motor  26  in response. It is generally contemplated that the activation rod  54  of the first container  14  can extend to the first distance D 1 , and the activation rod  54  can extend to the second distance D 2 . The first and second distances D 1 , D 2  can be detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30  to both activate the motor  26  and blade assembly  50  and identify the respective container  12 . The controller  32  can prompt the respective protocol  114 ,  116  based on the identification of the respective container  12  by the analog magnetic sensor  30 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the first magnet  20  is coupled to the base  18  of the first container  14  at the first distance D 1  relative to the analog magnetic sensor  30 , and the second magnet  22  is coupled to the base  18  of the second container  16  at the second distance D 2 . The first and second distances D 1 , D 2  may include a variety of distances that may distinguish the first and second containers  14 ,  16 . It is also contemplated that the interchangeable containers  12  may include more than two containers, each including magnets at varying distances. For purposes of this disclosure, the first and second containers  14 ,  16  are described with respect to the detection of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  by the analog magnetic sensor  30  within the container detection system  100 . The analog magnetic sensor  30  is configured to detect the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  at the first and second distances D 1 , D 2 . By way of example, not limitation, the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  may be coupled to the upper portion  48  of the base  18  of the first and second containers  14 ,  16 , respectively. It is generally contemplated that the first distance D 1  is less than the second distance D 2 , such that the first magnet  20  is positioned closer to the analog magnetic sensor  30  as compared to the second magnet  22 . 
     The relative distances D 1 , D 2  of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  may be influenced by the relative length of the sidewalls  46  of the base  18 . For example, the base  18  of the second container  16  may include sidewalls  46  that extend a greater length than the sidewalls  46  of the base  18  of the first container  14 . Additionally or alternatively, the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  may be respectively positioned on a projection that may extend from the upper portion  48  of the surface to control and vary the distances D 1 , D 2  between the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  and the analog magnetic sensor  30 . As mentioned above, the analog magnetic sensor  30  is configured to detect the relative distances D 1 , D 2  and send a corresponding signal to the controller  32 . Stated differently, the analog magnetic sensor  30  can detect the interchangeable container  12  positioned on the housing  24  based on the distance D 1 , D 2  of the detected magnet  20 ,  22 . 
     For example, the user may position the first container  14  on the attachment portion  28  of the housing  24 , and the analog magnetic sensor  30  can detect the first container  14  based on the distance D 1  of the first magnet  20  from the analog magnetic sensor  30 . The analog magnetic sensor  30  can then send a signal to the controller  32 , and the controller  32  may initiate the respective container protocol  112 , such as the blender protocol  114 . Additionally or alternatively, the user can remove the first container  14  from the housing  24  and instead position the second container  16  on the housing  24 . The analog magnetic sensor  30  can then detect the second distance D 2  of the second magnet  22  and send a corresponding signal to the controller  32 . By way of example, not limitation, the first distance D 1  of the first magnet  20  may be 5-millimeters from the analog magnetic sensor  30 , and the second distance D 2  of the second magnet  22  may be 10-millimeters from the analog magnetic sensor  30 . If the user interchanges the first and second containers  14 ,  16 , then the controller  32  can then alter the container protocol  112  displayed on the user interface  80  to correspond with the newly positioned second container  16 . It is generally contemplated that the blender protocol  114  may be activated when the first container  14  is detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30 , and the food processor protocol  116  may be activated when the second container  16  is detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , while the container protocols  90  are displayed on the user interface  80  ( FIG.  3   ) of the countertop appliance  10 , it is also contemplated that the respective container protocol  112  can be displayed on the remote user device  118  for operation by the user. The controller  32  is communicatively coupled with the remote user device  118  via the wireless communication interface  110 . The remote user device  118  can receive data and updates from the controller  32  regarding the countertop appliance  10 . For example, the controller  32  can send a notification to the remote user device  118  indicating which container protocol  112  will be initiated based on the container  12  detected. 
     If the first container  14  is detected, then the controller  32  may communicate the blender protocol  114  with the remote user device  118 , and the user may make further selections. It is generally contemplated that the blender protocol  114  is configured with blending functions, such as blending, mixing, ice crushing, liquefying, puree, pulse, and other practicable blending functions. It is also contemplated that if the second container  16  is detected, the user may be presented with the food processor protocol  116 , which can include food processing functions, such as chopping, grating, mincing, slicing, and pureeing. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 11   , the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  each have a polarity defined by North and South. It is generally contemplated that the first magnet  20  is configured with the North polarity directed upward, and the second magnet  22  is configured with the South polarity directed upward. Alternatively, the first magnet  20  may have the South polarity directed upward, and the second magnet  22  may have the North polarity directed upward. The directional orientation of the poles influences the detection by the analog magnetic sensor  30 . For example, the analog magnetic sensor  30  detects positive values when the North polarity is directed upward and detects negative values when the South polarity is directed upward. The positive and negative values detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30  can be utilized to further differentiate the interchangeable containers  12 . The detection of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  based on distance D 1 , D 2  and/or polarity advantageously provides greater diversity in the number of interchangeable containers  12  that may be utilized with the countertop appliance  10 . 
     The analog magnetic sensor  30 , in addition to detecting the distances D 1 , D 2  of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22 , also detects the relative polarity of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22 . The detection of polarity can further identify the first and second containers  14 ,  16 , as both the distances D 1 , D 2  and polarities of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  are stored within the memory storage  102  of the controller  32 . The stored distances D 1 , D 2 , along with the analog magnetic sensor  30  and the first and second magnets  20 ,  22 , make up the container detection system  100 . The container detection system  100  is configured to identify the detected container  12  and present the corresponding container protocol  112  to the user. The detection of polarity can serve as a verification check that the correct interchangeable container  12  is being detected by the analog magnetic sensor  30 . Additionally or alternatively, the polarities, in combination with the distances D 1 , D 2 , advantageously provide a wider range of potential interchangeable containers  12  that may be used with the universal and/or common housing  24 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 11   , the countertop appliance  10  can advantageously utilize the analog magnetic sensor  30  and the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  to identify the interchangeable containers  12 . The use of the analog magnetic sensor  30  specifically can detect both the varied distances D 1 , D 2  and polarities of the first and second magnets  20 ,  22 . The various utilizations of the analog magnetic sensor  30  and the first and second magnets  20 ,  22  maximizes the number of interchangeable containers  12  capable of coupling with and being utilized with the housing  24  of the countertop appliance  10 . The housing  24  is advantageously capable of use with a variety of interchangeable containers  12 , such that the housing  24  is considered to be a common and/or universal housing  24 . 
     The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a countertop appliance comprises interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each having a base. The first container includes a first magnet coupled to the base of the first container at a first distance and the second container includes a second magnet coupled to the base of the second container at a second distance. A housing includes a motor and an attachment portion. The interchangeable containers are selectively and operably coupled to the attachment portion of the housing. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the housing. The analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect the first magnet at the first distance and the second magnet at the second distance. A controller is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor. The controller is configured to identify one of the interchangeable containers based on the detected distance of one of the first magnet and the second magnet. 
     According to another aspect, an analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect a polarity of each of the first magnet and the second magnet. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is configured to identify one of the first container and the second container based on the detected polarity by the analog magnetic sensor. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is configured to prompt a container protocol for the identified interchangeable container. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is further configured to repeatedly detect the first and second magnets to determine whether the one of the interchangeable containers is stationary. 
     According to another aspect, a first container includes a lid and a body that defines a channel, and further comprises an activation rod disposed within the channel and includes the first magnet, the activation rod being translated via the lid. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is further configured to identify when the lid is in a closed position based on a change in position of the first magnet detected by the analog magnetic sensor. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is further configured to activate the motor in response to the lid being in the closed position. 
     According to another aspect, each interchangeable container includes sidewalls extending from an upper portion of the base, the sidewalls of the first container extending from the upper portion by a first length and the sidewalls of the second container extending from the upper portion by a second length greater than the first length. 
     According to another aspect, a first and second magnets are positioned on the upper portion. 
     According to another aspect, a first and second magnets are configured to be positioned directly over the analog magnetic sensor. 
     According to another aspect, a analog magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor. 
     According to another aspect, a Hall effect sensor is configured to detect a polarity of the first and second magnets, wherein the polarity includes one of a North polarity directed upward and a South polarity directed upward. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is further configured to determine a verification check of an identity of the interchangeable containers based on the polarity. 
     According to another aspect, a Hall effect sensor is configured to communicate positive and negative values to the controller based on the polarity of the first and second magnets, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine the identity of the interchangeable containers based further on the positive and negative values. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a countertop appliance includes interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each including a lid and a body that defines a channel. An activation rod is disposed within the channel and includes a magnet. The activation rod is translated via the lid of the interchangeable containers. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the magnet of the activation rod. The analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect a distance of the magnet relative to the analog magnetic sensor. A controller is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor. The controller is configured to identify when the lid is in a closed position based on the distance of the magnet detected by the analog magnetic sensor. 
     According to another aspect, an analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect a polarity of magnet. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is further configured to identify one of the first container and the second container based on the detected polarity. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is configured to prompt a container protocol for the identified interchangeable container. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a countertop appliance includes interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each having a base. The first container includes a first magnet coupled to the base of the first container at a first distance and the second container includes a second magnet coupled to the base of the second container at a second distance. A housing includes a motor and an attachment portion. The interchangeable containers are selectively and operably coupled to the attachment portion of the housing. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the housing and is configured to detect a polarity of the first magnet at the first distance and a polarity of the second magnet at the second distance. A controller is communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor configured to identify one of the interchangeable containers based on the detected polarity and the detected distance of one of the first magnet and the second magnet. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.