Kitchen Appliance Base Locking for Multi-Orientation Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kitchen devices with automatic locking means can only accommodate preparation modules with standardized configurations, limiting their versatility and user convenience, particularly for left-handed and right-handed users.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen device base with a collection area featuring a drive unit and a movably mounted locking element that can be rotated between release and locking positions, allowing preparation modules to be securely locked in various orientations, enabling the use of different preparation modules and accommodating user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic locking means are positioned away from the kitchen device base, then user safety and ease of use are improved, but only standardized preparation modules can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable between a first position (where it engages with the preparation module) and a second position (where it is disengaged). This dynamic positioning allows the locking mechanism to adapt to different preparation module types while maintaining safety, resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to accommodate both standardized and non-standardized preparation modules through its movable locking element that can engage with different module configurations. This universal design allows the same base unit to work with various preparation modules while maintaining automatic locking functionality for safety.
2Reliability
If manual locking with bayonet catch is used, then preparation module can be locked, but user must rotate the module by predetermined angle which reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic locking means that perform the locking action without requiring user intervention. The drive unit automatically moves the locking element to engage with the preparation module, eliminating the need for users to manually rotate modules or operate complex locking mechanisms, thus greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual bayonet catch mechanism is replaced with an automatic drive unit that uses mechanical or electromechanical means to move the locking element. This substitution eliminates the need for user rotation actions while achieving the same locking security through automated engagement.
3Extent of automation
If locking means are positioned at lid height, then automatic locking is achieved, but only preparation modules with standardized configuration can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element's ability to move between engaged and disengaged positions allows it to adapt to different preparation module configurations. This dynamic design enables automatic locking functionality to work with both standardized and non-standardized modules, resolving the contradiction between automation and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism's parameters (position, engagement depth, orientation) can be adjusted through the drive unit to accommodate different preparation module types. This parameter variability allows automatic locking to function across diverse module configurations without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A kitchen device base having at least one collection area for at least one preparation module, whereby the collection area has at least one locking means for mechanical locking of the preparation module. A kitchen device base, a preparation module, and a kitchen device, with which automatic locking of various preparation modules on a kitchen device base is made possible, are realized in that the locking means has at least one drive unit and at least one movably mounted locking element, that the locking element can be moved at least indirectly by means of the drive unit, at least between a release position and a locking position, that in the release position the preparation module can be arranged in at least two different orientations in the collection area, and that in the locking position the preparation module is locked to the kitchen device base.