Removable Cooking Container Locking for Visible Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household food preparation appliances lack visibility of proper engagement of locking means and do not guarantee a firm hold of the container on the housing, leading to user uncertainty and potential instability during operation.
Innovation Solution
The appliance features a housing with centering reliefs that include a retaining boss on the outer wall, engaging with an opening on the peripheral skirt of the container, providing visible engagement confirmation and enhanced retention, along with an elastic tab for easier engagement and disengagement, and a second boss for improved firmness, ensuring secure positioning and activation of the safety control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic locking means are used to immobilize the container, then the container is secured on the housing, but the user cannot visualize the proper engagement of the locking means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a visual indication principle where the locking means engagement state becomes visible to the user. The indicator shows whether the container is properly locked by displaying different visual states (e.g., colored indicators or visible positioning) that allow the user to confirm correct engagement without disassembling or closely inspecting the elastic locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional locking means are used, then the container can be secured, but the hold is not firm enough
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent bosses (first boss with elastic tab, second boss without cutout) that engage with corresponding openings in the container. This segmentation allows each boss to contribute to the overall firmness independently, with the second boss providing a stronger anchor point while the first boss provides easier engagement through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different material properties for different parts of the locking mechanism. The first boss is made with elastic material allowing deformation for easy engagement, while the second boss is made with rigid material providing strong retention. This composite approach combines the benefits of both elastic and rigid materials in a single locking system.
3Reliability
If a single boss is used for retention, then the structure is simple, but the container hold is not firm enough
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into two distinct bosses with different functions: the first boss with elastic tab for easy engagement and the second boss without cutout for strong retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide overall firm container holding.
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 solution allows for a secure, visually confirmed engagement of the container, enhancing user safety and ergonomics while maintaining a simple and economical production process, with improved retention and cooling through air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
the first boss is carried by a tab designed to deform elastically when pressure is exerted on the first boss
Data Source
AI summary
A household cooking appliance comprises a housing (1) provided with a motor and a removable container (2) arranged on the housing (1) by a simple vertical translation movement, the container (2) comprising a tool for be rotated by said motor and comprising a base having a peripheral skirt which fits over one or more centering protrusion portions positioned on the housing (1), characterized in that the housing (1) comprises at least one boss (16 ) for maintenance and arranged on an outer wall of a protrusion portion, the boss (16) which engages in an opening (23) arranged on the peripheral wall of the base and being used for fixing the container (2) to the housing (1) in the vertical direction of engagement.