Cam-Based Locking System for Cotton Candy Machine Motor Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for cotton candy machines require coordinated manipulation to lock and unlock, and do not prevent users from inadvertently transporting the machine in an unlocked position or operating it while locked, which can lead to damage.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable locking system with cam members and a handle or levers that easily switch between locked and unlocked positions, preventing operation when locked and facilitating safe transport by engaging the motor mount with the base, and providing an ergonomic carrying mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system with threaded screws and movable brackets is used to lock the motor mount, then the motor mount can be rigidly supported for safe transport, but the system requires coordinated manipulation of multiple knobs and lacks prevention mechanisms for inadvertent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking pin that simultaneously engages with multiple features on the motor mount. This single component replaces the previous system requiring coordinated manipulation of multiple threaded screws and knobs, while maintaining reliable locking for safe transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism with a detent feature that automatically engages with the motor mount when inserted, providing self-locking functionality. The system includes a safety feature where the locking pin must be fully inserted and engaged before the machine can be transported, preventing inadvertent operation without requiring additional user actions.
2Reliability
If the motor mount is rigidly locked to the base during transport, then vibration and movement are prevented, but the machine cannot be operated while locked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed as a dynamic mechanism that can be quickly transitioned between locked and unlocked states. The locking pin features a spring-loaded release mechanism that allows rapid disengagement, enabling the machine to switch from transport mode (rigidly locked) to operational mode (unlocked, allowing motor mount movement) efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system incorporates visual and mechanical feedback indicators that show whether the locking pin is engaged or disengaged. The detent feature provides tactile feedback confirming proper engagement, ensuring the user knows the machine is securely locked for transport or free to operate, preventing inadvertent operation.
3Strength
If threaded screws and multiple fasteners are used to secure the motor mount, then strong mechanical connection is achieved, but the locking system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from the complex assembly of multiple threaded screws, movable brackets, and knobs, consolidating it into a single locking pin component. This simplified component maintains the strong mechanical connection needed for secure transport while eliminating the complexity of coordinating multiple fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, locking engagement, and safety interlocking. It engages with multiple features on the motor mount in a single insertion motion, replacing the need for multiple separate fastening operations while maintaining strong mechanical connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies locking and unlocking, ensures safe transport by preventing operation when locked, and prevents accidental operation or transport in an unlocked state, enhancing user safety and machine durability.
Implementation Method 1
the locking system includes a pair of spaced apart and opposing cam members (54) that are each rotatably connected to an inner end of a rotatable shaft (56)
Implementation Method 2
the motor mount (28) is suspended from a top wall (38) of the base (12) through multiple circumferentially spaced springs (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system for a cotton candy machine includes a pair of rotatable cam members that are selectively engagable and disengagable from a motor mount of the machine to alternatively lock and unlock the machine. A rotatable handle or a pair of rotatable levers are operatively connected to the cam members to selectively rotate the cam members to the locked and unlocked positions.