Base for a kitchen appliance and preparation module for a kitchen appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliance bases experience mechanical blockages and malfunctions during the interaction with preparation modules, and there is a need to enhance user comfort and reliability in the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The kitchen appliance base features a design where the retaining element and drive element partially overlap in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation in the first position, allowing easy insertion and locking of the preparation module, with a combination of movable drive elements and stationary holding elements to facilitate mechanical functions without locking the module to the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuating unit uses a gear and worm gear mechanism for locking the preparation container, then the locking function is reliable, but mechanical blockages and malfunctions occur during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic gear and worm gear mechanism from the actuating unit and replaces it with a direct drive system. The actuating element directly actuates the locking element without intermediary gear mechanisms, eliminating the source of mechanical blockages while preserving the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex transmission mechanism (gear and worm gear) to achieve locking, the patent inverts the approach by using a direct actuation system where the actuating element directly moves the locking element. This simplifies the mechanism and eliminates mechanical blockages.
2Device complexity
If the drive element and holding element are positioned separately, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the risk of malfunction and mechanical blockages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive element and holding element into a closely integrated arrangement where they overlap in the first position. This combining of elements ensures reliable mechanical interaction and proper engagement while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive element and holding element are positioned such that they overlap and nest within each other's spatial envelope in the first position, ensuring proper mechanical engagement and reducing the risk of malfunction while maintaining a compact structure.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating element rotates between first and second positions, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but user comfort and ease of operation need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The drive element is positioned to overlap with the holding element in the first position before rotation occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures smooth engagement and reduces operational resistance, improving user comfort while maintaining reliable mechanical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed to rotate dynamically between first and second positions with smooth transitions. The overlapping arrangement of drive and holding elements during rotation ensures continuous reliable mechanical interaction while providing ease of operation through reduced friction and resistance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance base (3) for a kitchen appliance (4), with at least one receiving area (2) for at least one preparation module (1), wherein the receiving area (2) has at least one actuating unit (2a) for mechanical interaction with the preparation module (1), wherein the actuating unit (2a) has at least one drive unit (15), at least one actuating element (16) rotatably held about an axis of rotation (R), and at least one stationary retaining element (17), wherein the actuating element (16) has at least one drive element (18), and wherein the actuating element (16) is rotatable at least indirectly by means of the drive unit (15) at least between a first position and a second position. The retaining element (17) and the drive element (18) overlap at least partially in the first position in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (R1) of the actuating element (16).