Patent Publication Number: US-2022233025-A1

Title: Non-contact magnetic coupler for food processing appliance having small brushless permanent magnet motor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/675,502 filed Nov. 6, 2019, entitled NON-CONTACT MAGNETIC COUPLER FOR FOOD PROCESSING APPLIANCE HAVING SMALL BRUSHLESS PERMANENT MAGNET MOTOR, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
     The device is in the field of food processing appliances, and more specifically, a food processing appliance that incorporates a small brushless permanent magnet motor and a magnetic coupler that attaches the drive system to a processing tool in a non-contact configuration. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a food processing appliance includes a container having a rotational processing assembly that includes a follower rotor having a first magnetic feature. A base has a drive system for providing a rotational drive force. A magnetic coupler has a drive rotor that selectively transfers the rotational drive force to the follower rotor. The drive rotor includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members that form a generally cylindrical space that receives and surrounds the follower rotor in an engaged position. At least one of the drive and follower rotors includes a magnet configuration that directs a respective magnetic field in a direction of a gap defined between the drive and follower rotors. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a food processing appliance includes a container having a rotational processing assembly that includes an inner portion of a magnetic coupler. A base has a drive system for providing a rotational drive force. A drive rotor selectively transfers the rotational drive force to the magnetic coupler. The drive rotor includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members that form an outer portion of the magnetic coupler. The inner portion and outer portions of the magnetic coupler selectively and magnetically engage to form an engaged position. The engaged position is further defined by the inner portion being completely separated from the outer portion to define a gap therebetween. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a food processing appliance includes a base having a drive system for providing a rotational drive force. A drive rotor selectively transfers the rotational drive force to an outer portion of a magnetic coupler. The drive rotor includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members that form a cylindrical coupling space of the magnetic coupler. A container has a rotational processing assembly that includes an inner portion of the magnetic coupler. The inner portion selectively couples with the outer portion within the cylindrical coupling space to define an engaged position with a continuous gap extending between the inner and outer portions. The outer portion of the magnetic coupler includes a plurality of magnets that are oriented in a Halbach configuration that magnetically engages with the inner portion within the gap. 
     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 front perspective view of a food processing appliance that incorporates an aspect of the magnetic coupler; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of  FIG. 1  taken along line II-II; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the food processing appliance of  FIG. 2  taken at area III; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a magnetic coupler incorporated within the food processing appliance; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of an aspect of the magnetic coupler for the food processing appliance; 
         FIG. 6  is a lateral cross-sectional view of an aspect of the magnetic coupler for the food processing appliance and showing the orientation of individual magnets within each of the inner and outer portions of the magnetic coupler; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a compact aspect of the magnetic coupler; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an intermediate sized aspect of a magnetic coupler; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a large aspect of the magnetic coupler; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic graph illustrating operation of the magnetic coupler during operation of the small brushless permanent magnet motor of the food processing appliance; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged representation of the graph of  FIG. 10  and showing the first second of operation of the magnetic coupler; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic graph illustrating positions of the magnetic coupler in relation to the acceleration and speed of the small brushless permanent magnet motor; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged representation of the graph of  FIG. 12  showing only the first second of operation of the small brushless permanent magnet motor; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aspect of the magnetic coupler incorporating a reluctance mechanism; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aspect of a magnetic coupler having an alternative magnet configuration and a back iron; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an aspect of a magnetic coupler with the follower and drive rotors positioned in a parallel and co-axial configuration. 
     
    
    
     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 non-contact magnetic coupler for a food processing 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. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 1-6 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a magnetic coupler for a food processing appliance  12 . The food processing appliance  12  includes a motor  14  that operates to transfer a drive force  16  to a processing tool  18  located within a container  20 . The food processing appliances  12  in this regard can include, but are not limited to, blenders, multi-function processors, mixers and other similar small appliances that may include a removable container  20  having a processing tool  18  that can be attached to a base  30  that includes a motor  14 . According to various aspects of the device, the motor  14  for the food processing appliance  12  can include a brushless permanent magnet motor  14  (BPM motor). As exemplified within various aspects of the device, a small brushless permanent magnet motor  22  (SBPM motor) is utilized within the food processing appliance  12  due to the small size and compact nature of the appliance  12  that is typically placed upon a countertop and stored within various locations of a residential or commercial structure. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 1-6 , the food processing appliance  12  includes a container  20  having a rotational processing assembly  24  that includes a follower rotor  26  having a first magnetic feature  28 . The food processing appliance  12  also includes a base  30  having a drive system  32  for providing a rotational drive force  16 . As discussed above, this drive system  32  typically includes a direct drive SBPM motor  22  having a stator  34  that rotationally operates a rotor  36  having a drive shaft  38 . The magnetic coupler  10  includes a drive rotor  40  that selectively transfers the rotational drive force  16  from the drive system  32  to the follower rotor  26 . The drive rotor  40  includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members  42  that form a coupling space, typically a generally cylindrical space  44 . This cylindrical space  44  is configured to receive and surround the follower rotor  26  in an engaged position  46  of the container  20 . At least one of the drive and follower rotors  40 ,  26  includes a magnet configuration that directs respective inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  in the direction of a gap  52  defined between the drive and follower rotors  40 ,  26  when in the engaged position  46 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-6 , the magnetic coupler  10 , when in the engaged position  46 , can define an inner portion  60  that is indicative of the follower rotor  26  and an outer portion  62  that is indicative of the drive rotor  40 . The drive rotor  40  is typically coupled with the drive shaft  38  such that when the drive system  32  is activated, the direct drive motor  14  rotates the drive shaft  38 , and, in turn, the drive rotor  40  for the magnetic coupler  10 . The follower rotor  26  is placed within the cylindrical space  44  defined by the drive rotor  40 . Each of the drive rotor  40  and the follower rotor  26  include cooperative magnetic features  54  that typically form a plurality of respective inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  that retain the follower rotor  26  in a rotational alignment with the drive rotor  40 . These inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  maintain the rotational alignment between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 , as the drive rotor  40  rotates about a rotational axis  64 . This magnetic interaction between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  is accomplished in a non-contact configuration. Stated another way, the magnetic features  54  of the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10 , which form the follower rotor  26 , are free of direct contact with the magnetic features  54  of the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  that form the drive rotor  40 . It should be understood that magnetic features  54  can include magnetic members, ferromagnetic members  122  or a combination thereof to produce a magnetic and/or reluctance-type magnetic coupler  10 . 
     In order to foster the rotational alignment between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 , the magnetic features  54  of the follower rotor  26  can include a plurality of follower magnets  70  that are configured to electromagnetically interact with the plurality of drive-magnetic members  42 . As exemplified in  FIG. 6 , the various follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42  are oriented within the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 , respectively, to direct the inner magnetic fields  48  of the follower rotor  26  and an outer magnetic field  50  of the drive rotor  40  toward one another and into the gap  52  defined between the drive and follower rotors  40 ,  26 . This interaction produces a flux path  124  that extends between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  and extends across the gap  52 . The interaction of the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  and the resulting generation of the flux path  124  that extends across the gap  52  produces a torque retention force  100  that maintains the rotational alignment between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-6 , to direct the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  toward the gap  52 , the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42  of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  are arranged into a Halbach array or Halbach configuration  80 . The magnetic poles  82  of the follower magnets  70  with respect to the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10  are positioned in alternating and generally perpendicular configurations about the rotational axis  64  of the follower rotor  26 . These pole orientations of the various follower magnets  70  cooperate with one another to minimize the inner magnetic field  48  in the direction of the idler shaft  84  that drives the processing tool  18 . Additionally, the configuration of the magnetic poles  82  of the follower magnets  70  increases the magnetic field in the direction of the gap  52  defined between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 . Similarly, the configuration of the various magnetic poles  82  of the drive-magnetic members  42  are positioned such that their magnetic poles  82  are positioned in alternating and generally perpendicular orientations with respect to adjacent magnets of the drive-magnetic members  42 . As with the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10 , the magnet configuration of the drive-magnetic members  42  minimizes the outer magnetic field  50  outside of the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  and magnifies or increases the magnetic field in the direction of the gap  52  defined between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . This intensification of the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  within the gap  52  defined between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  also intensifies the magnetic connection between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 . In turn, this intensified magnetic connection allows the follower rotor  26  to more closely follow and remain in rotational alignment with the drive rotor  40  during operation of the direct drive motor  14  of the base  30  for the food processing appliance  12 . 
     As exemplified in  FIG. 6 , typically, the Halbach configuration  80  for the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42  is oriented such that the magnetic features  54  alternate the direction of the magnetic pole  82  of each magnetic feature  54  to be radially inward or outward from a central axis of the follower rotor  26  and tangential with respect to a circle extending around the rotational axis  64 . This alternation of radially aligned poles  86  radial and tangentially aligned poles  88  extends around each of the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 . Additionally, this orientation alternates with respect to the drive and follower rotors  40 ,  26 . Through this configuration, a follower magnet  70  having a tangentially aligned pole  88  is typically, radially, aligned with a drive-magnetic member  42  having a radially aligned pole  86 . Because the number of drive-magnetic members  42  and the number of follower magnets  70  is equal, this alternating radial alignment is maintained throughout the magnetic coupler  10 . This configuration tends to align opposing polarities of the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  at their strongest locations. As a consequence, this alignment strengthens the magnetic bond between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40  to maintain the rotational alignment between these two inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 1-9 , because of the Halbach configuration  80  of each of the drive and follower rotors  40 ,  26 , the use of a back iron  170  (shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) is typically not necessary. The configuration of the magnetic features  54  within each of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  serves to direct the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  toward the gap  52 . Accordingly, the use of a back iron is not needed for generating this augmentation of the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50 . By eliminating this back iron within the configuration of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 , the overall size of the magnetic coupler  10  can be decreased without sacrificing the coupling strength between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40  of the magnetic coupler  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-13 , during operation of the food processing appliance  12 , the SBPM motor  22  is activated and the drive shaft  38  operates the drive rotor  40  about the rotational axis  64 . Because of the magnetic connection between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 , the follower rotor  26  maintains a close rotational alignment with the drive rotor  40 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 10-13 , this close alignment between the rotational position of the follower rotor  26  with respect to the drive rotor  40  is exemplified during operation of the SBPM motor  22 . As the drive rotor  40  rotates about the rotational axis  64 , the relative rotor position between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  remains slight. This is indicative of a strong torque-retention force  100  between the follower rotor  26  and the drive rotor  40 . This torque-retention force  100  is needed not just to maintain the rotational position of the follower rotor  26  with respect to the drive rotor  40 , but also to account for the progressing resistance experienced by the processing tool  18  during operation of the food processing appliance  12 . The torque-retention force  100  that holds the follower rotor  26  in rotational alignment with the drive rotor  40  also assists in consistently transferring the drive force  16  to the processing tool  18  for processing various food items, without slippage or other loss of torque. Accordingly, the drive force  16  generated by the SBPM motor  22  is transferred to the drive rotor  40 . This drive force  16  is then transferred to the follower rotor  26  via the torque-retention force  100  generated by the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42  of the drive rotor  40 . This torque-retention force  100  maintains the rotational alignment with the follower rotor  26  with the drive rotor  40  to power the processing tool  18  within the processing space of the container  20 . As discussed above, the use of the Halbach configuration  80  of the magnets for the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  helps to strengthen the torque-retention force  100  that maintains the rotational alignment with the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , this close rotational alignment between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  remains consistent during the acceleration of the SBPM motor  22  from 0 rpm to approximately 5,000 rpm, typically in less than one second. Accordingly, the torque-retention force  100  experienced between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  is typically stronger than any friction experienced by the processing tool  18  during operation of the food processing appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-9 , the food processing appliances  12  includes a container  20  that has a rotational processing assembly  24  that includes the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10 . The base  30  includes the drive system  32  for providing the rotational drive force  16 . The drive rotor  40  selectively transfers the rotational drive force  16  from the drive system  32  to the magnetic coupler  10 . The drive rotor  40  includes the plurality of drive-magnetic members  42  that form the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . The inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  selectively and magnetically engage to form an engaged position  46 , where the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  cooperatively operate to define the torque-retention force  100  that maintains the rotational alignment with the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10  with respect to the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . The engaged position  46  of the magnetic coupler  10  is further defined by the inner portion  60  being completely separated from the outer portion  62  to define a gap  52  therebetween. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 3-6 , the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  defines an outer magnetic field  50  that is directed toward the gap  52  in a manner that is free of a back iron. As discussed above, the use of the drive-magnetic members  42  that are oriented within the Halbach configuration  80  does not require the use of a back iron such that the thickness of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 , and the magnetic coupler  10  as a whole, can be made much smaller. 
     It is contemplated that the magnetic coupler  10  can include a plurality of permanent magnets that make up the drive-magnetic members  42 . Similarly, the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10  can include follower magnets  70  that are in the form of permanent magnets. As discussed above, the various permanent magnets of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can be configured in the Halbach configuration  80  described herein. This Halbach configuration  80  of the various permanent magnets directs the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  towards the gaps  52  defined between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . As discussed above, the use of the Halbach configuration  80  strengthens the torque-retention force  100  experienced between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  and within the gap  52  defined therebetween. It is contemplated that the various magnets of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can include bonded neodymium, bonded and sintered neodymium, ferrite, alnico, SmCo, combinations thereof, and other similar magnetic materials. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 1-9 , the food processing appliance  12  can include the base  30  that includes the drive system  32  that provides a rotational drive force  16 . The drive rotor  40  selectively transfers the rotational drive force  16  to an outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . The drive rotor  40  includes the plurality of drive-magnetic members  42  that form a cylindrical space  44  of the magnetic coupler  10  that couples the follower rotor  26  to the drive rotor  40 . The container  20  includes a rotational processing assembly  24  having the processing tool  18  and the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10 . The inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10  selectively couples with the outer portion  62  within the cylindrical space  44  to define the engaged position  46  with a continuous gap  52  extending between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . According to various aspects of the device, one of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can include a plurality of magnetic features  54  that are oriented in the Halbach configuration  80 . As discussed above, this Halbach configuration  80  of the plurality of magnetic features  54  magnetically engages with the other of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  within the gap  52 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 14 , it is contemplated that the magnetic coupler  10  can include a reluctance mechanism  120 . This reluctance mechanism  120  can be in the form of a ferromagnetic member  122  that defines one of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . As exemplified in  FIG. 14 , the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10  includes the ferromagnetic member  122 . During operation of the SBPM motor  22 , the rotor  36  of the SBPM motor  22  drives the drive shaft  38  and rotates the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  about the rotational axis  64 . The various magnets of the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  define various outer magnetic fields  50  that interact with the reluctance mechanism  120  of the follower rotor  26 . These magnetic fields  50  define various magnetic flux paths  124  that extend through the reluctance mechanism  120  of the follower rotor  26 . These flux paths  124  align with the path of least reluctance  126  to maintain a conservation of energy within the various systems generating the plurality of outer magnetic fields  50  within the magnetic coupler  10 . As exemplified in  FIG. 14 , the reluctance mechanism  120  of the inner portion  60  generates a plurality of paths of least reluctance  126  that are defined by a consistent rotational position of the follower rotor  26  with respect to the drive rotor  40 . By aligning these paths of least reluctance  126  between the drive rotor  40  and the reluctance mechanism  120  of the follower rotor  26 , the torque-retention force  100  is generated due to the tendency of the reluctance mechanism  120  to maintain the path of least reluctance  126  with respect to the outer magnetic fields  50  of the drive rotor  40 . Additionally, because the drive-magnetic members  42  of the drive rotor  40  are typically maintained in the Halbach configuration  80 , the outer magnetic fields  50  generated in the direction of the gap  52  and in the direction of the reluctance mechanism  120 , are intensified to increase the torque-retention force  100  generated by the magnetic flux traveling through the path of least reluctance  126  within the reluctance mechanism  120 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the reluctance mechanism  120  can be defined within the drive rotor  40 , and the magnetic features  54  in the Halbach configuration  80  can be defined by the follower magnets  70  of the follower rotor  26 . The exact configuration of the drive and follower rotors  26 , and the magnetic and/or reluctance mechanisms  120  contained therein can be varied depending upon the torque-requirements of the food processing appliance  12 , the size of the drive system  32 , and other similar configurations that may relate to torque, size, and other aspects of the device. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 1-4 , the base  30  of the food processing appliance  12  can include a guide structure  140  that operates to guide the container  20  and the follower rotor  26  into the generally cylindrical space  44  of the drive rotor  40 . This guide structure  140  serves to align the follower rotor  26  within the drive rotor  40  to define the engaged position  46 . As discussed above, the engaged position  46  of the follower rotor  26  within the drive rotor  40  maintains the consistent gap  52  between the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42  of the drive rotor  40 . Additionally, the guide structure  140  serves to align the follower magnets  70  with the drive-magnetic members  42  to further define the engaged position  46  and maintain the gap  52 , as discussed above. 
     Due to the non-contact configuration of the magnetic coupler  10 , wear and tear within the coupler mechanism between the drive system  32  and the processing tool  18  can be minimized. Because the follower magnets  70  of the follower rotor  26  remain out of contact with the drive-magnetic members  42  of the drive rotor  40 , wear and tear within these members is also minimized. While the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42  may remain separated, an outer structure  150  of the follower rotor  26  may rest upon a portion of the drive rotor  40  within the cylindrical space  44  defined within the drive rotor  40 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 2-4 , a magnet frame  152  of the follower rotor  26  is typically made of a non-magnetic material and serves to couple the follower magnets  70  with the idler shaft  84  of the processing tool  18 . This magnet frame  152  may rest upon a portion of the drive coupler to help align the follower magnets  70  with the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . Additionally, the outer coupler may include a corresponding magnet frame  154 , which is also typically made of a non-magnetic material. This corresponding magnet frame  154  extends around the drive-magnetic members  42  and couples these drive-magnetic members  42  to the drive shaft  38  that extends to the rotor  36  of the SBPM motor  22 . These various structural members of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  may experience some direct engagement. This direct engagement is minimal and these portions of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  are typically smooth to minimize the amount of friction and other energy loss that may be experienced within these portions of the magnetic coupler  10 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the number of poles or magnetic features  54  contained within the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can vary. By way of example, and not limitation, the number of poles can include six poles, eight poles, ten poles, or other similar pole configurations. According to various aspects of the device, the number of pole pairs  160  within each of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can vary from one pole pair  160  up to 20 pole pairs  160 . The number of pole pairs  160  used within a particular magnetic coupler  10  can vary the magnitude of the torque-retention force  100 . Additionally, the size of the magnetic components of the magnetic coupler  10  can also vary the magnitude of the torque-retention force  100 . As discussed above, the exact configuration of the components of the non-contact magnetic coupler  10  can vary depending upon the exact design of the appliance  12 . It should be understood that the number of poles contained within the outer portion  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  is similar to the number of poles contained within the inner portion  60  of the magnetic coupler  10 . This similarity of magnetic poles  82  helps to maximize the torque-retention force  100  generated between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . Where one of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  includes a reluctance mechanism  120 , the reluctance mechanism  120 , instead of having a certain number of poles, will typically have the same number of paths of least reluctance  126  as the number of poles as the opposing inner or outer portion  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the gap  52  between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can also vary. Typically, a smaller gap  52  between the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  provides a greater torque-retention force  100  for aligning the follower rotor  26  with the drive rotor  40 . The size of this gap  52  can be anywhere from 0.5 millimeters to approximately 5 millimeters. Various studies have shown that the gap  52  can also be 0.8 millimeters in an exemplary aspect of the device. The thicknesses of the various magnetic components of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can also vary. Such thicknesses can include ranges of from approximately two millimeters thick to approximately 10 millimeters thick. Additionally, the overall diameter of the magnetic coupler  10  can vary the magnitude of the torque-retention force  100  of the magnetic coupler  10 . Studies have shown that thicknesses of the various magnets of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  may be very thin if the outer diameter of the magnetic coupler  10  is large. Additionally, using the Halbach configuration  80  of the magnetic features  54  for the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 , much smaller and compact sizes of the magnetic coupler  10  may be possible. Such sizes may include from approximately 11 cubic centimeters to 80 cubic centimeters. The exact dimensions, sizes, weights and materials of the magnetic and ferromagnetic materials of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10  can vary depending upon the overall design of the appliance  12  and performance-based tolerances that are required for the particular appliance  12 . 
     The use of the magnetic coupler  10  described herein generates a significant torque-retention force  100  that can allow the SBPM motor  22  to be much smaller in size. This can be accomplished through the lack of frictional and other energy losses as a result of a magnetic coupler  10  and the contact-free configuration of the inner and outer portions  60 ,  62  of the magnetic coupler  10 . The use of the SBPM motor  22  can extend the overall life of the appliance  12  and the use of the non-contact magnetic coupler  10  also extends the life of the processing assembly  24  for the container  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , the magnetic coupler  10  can include follower and drive rotors  26 ,  40  having radially aligned poles that are positioned in an alternating configuration. This is contrary to the Halbach configuration  80  described above. As noted previously, the Halbach configuration  80  does not require the use of a back iron  170  for directing the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  toward the gap  52 . In the absence of the Halbach configuration  80 , the back iron  170  is necessary for achieving the same augmentation of the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  to be intensified or magnified at the gap  52 . Through this configuration, the drive force  16  can be transferred from the drive rotor  40  to the follower rotor  26  via the torque retention force  100  produced by the interaction of the inner and outer magnetic fields  48 ,  50  that are produced through the alternating and radially aligned poles  86  of the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42 , respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the magnetic coupler  10  can be oriented in a parallel configuration  180  where the follower and drive rotors  26 ,  40  are oriented in a co-axial arrangement. In this parallel configuration  180 , the follower rotor  26  typically has the same overall diameter as the drive rotor  40 . The gap  52  is positioned between the axial ends  188  of the follower magnets  70  and the drive-magnetic members  42 . This configuration of the follower and drive rotors  26 ,  40  produces parallel magnetic fields  186  that interact at the gap  52 . In this parallel configuration of the magnetic coupler  10 , the follower rotor  26  is positioned adjacent to the drive rotor  40 , and not within a cylindrical space  44  as discussed in other aspects of the magnetic coupler  10 . The follower magnets  70  of the follower rotor  26  and the drive-magnetic members  42  of the drive rotor  40 , are typically positioned to produce radially aligned poles  86  that are alternating in configuration, similar to that shown in  FIG. 15 . In this configuration, the back iron  170  is necessary for each of the follower and the drive rotors  26 ,  40  to direct the parallel magnetic field  186  toward the gap  52 . Again, this augmentation of the parallel magnetic fields  186  of the follower rotor  26  in the drive rotor  40 , produces the torque-retention force  100  that maintains the radial alignment of the follower rotor  26  with respect to the drive rotor  40  during application of the drive force  16 . 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a food processing appliance includes a container having a rotational processing assembly that includes a follower rotor having a first magnetic feature. A base has a drive system for providing a rotational drive force. A magnetic coupler has a drive rotor that selectively transfers the rotational drive force to the follower rotor. The drive rotor includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members that form a generally cylindrical space that receives and surrounds the follower rotor in an engaged position. At least one of the drive and follower rotors includes a magnet configuration that directs a respective magnetic field in a direction of a gap defined between the drive and follower rotors. 
     According to another aspect, the magnetic feature of the follower rotor includes a plurality of follower magnets that are configured to electromagnetically interact with the plurality of drive-magnetic members. 
     According to yet another aspect, each of the drive and follower rotors have a plurality of permanent magnets that are oriented in a Halbach configuration. An inner magnetic field of the follower rotor and an outer magnetic field of the drive rotor are directed toward the gap. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the drive and follower rotors are free of a back iron. 
     According to another aspect, the drive rotor and the follower rotor are completely free of direct contact with one another in the engaged position. 
     According to yet another aspect, the base includes a guide structure that guides the follower rotor into the generally cylindrical space to maintain the gap between the follower and drive rotors. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide structure is adapted to align the plurality of follower magnets with the drive-magnetic members to further define the engaged position. 
     According to another aspect, the first magnetic feature is a reluctance mechanism. 
     According to yet another aspect, the drive and follower rotors are magnetically coupled with one another at the gap. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a food processing appliance includes a container having a rotational processing assembly that includes an inner portion of a magnetic coupler. A base has a drive system for providing a rotational drive force. A drive rotor selectively transfers the rotational drive force to the magnetic coupler. The drive rotor includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members that form an outer portion of the magnetic coupler. The inner portion and outer portions of the magnetic coupler selectively and magnetically engage to form an engaged position. The engaged position is further defined by the inner portion being completely separated from the outer portion to define a gap therebetween. 
     According to another aspect, the inner portion and the outer portion of the magnetic coupler define a magnetic field that is directed toward the gap in a manner that is free of a back iron. 
     According to yet another aspect, the outer portion of the magnetic coupler includes a plurality of permanent magnets. 
     According to yet another aspect, the inner portion of the magnetic coupler includes a reluctance mechanism that cooperates with the permanent magnets of the outer portion. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the permanent magnets are oriented in a Halbach configuration that directs the magnetic field to the gap. 
     According to another aspect, the outer and inner portions include at least one of bonded, sintered neodymium, ferrite, alnico and SmCo. 
     According to yet another aspect, the inner portion of the magnetic coupler includes a plurality of magnets that are oriented in a Halbach configuration that directs the magnetic field toward the gap. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a food processing appliance includes a base having a drive system for providing a rotational drive force. A drive rotor selectively transfers the rotational drive force to an outer portion of a magnetic coupler. The drive rotor includes a plurality of drive-magnetic members that form a cylindrical coupling space of the magnetic coupler. A container has a rotational processing assembly that includes an inner portion of the magnetic coupler. The inner portion selectively couples with the outer portion within the cylindrical coupling space to define an engaged position with a continuous gap extending between the inner and outer portions. The outer portion of the magnetic coupler includes a plurality of magnets that are oriented in a Halbach configuration that magnetically engages with the inner portion within the gap. 
     According to another aspect, the outer portion of the magnetic coupler includes a reluctance mechanism that cooperates with the plurality of magnets of the inner portion when in the engaged position. 
     According to yet another aspect, the outer and inner portions include at least one of bonded, sintered neodymium, ferrite, alnico and SmCo. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer portion includes a plurality of magnets that are oriented in the Halbach configuration. 
     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.