Drink Maker Mixing Vessel Lever Coupling for Low-Force Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen drink makers require significant user effort to install and uninstall the mixing vessel, straining plastic components and making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A lever mechanism with a flexible seal that allows easy coupling and decoupling of the mixing vessel to the housing, requiring minimal force and enabling one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mixing vessel attachment mechanism is used, then the mixing vessel can be securely attached to the housing, but significant user effort and force are required to install and uninstall the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lever mechanism that transitions between a first position for securing the mixing vessel and a second position for releasing it. This dynamic positioning system allows the vessel to be easily attached and detached with minimal force, directly resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanical advantage device between the user and the mixing vessel attachment mechanism. By using the lever, the user can apply minimal force to move the vessel between positions, while the mechanism itself handles the heavy lifting and securing functions.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional mixing vessel attachment mechanism is used, then the mixing vessel can be securely attached to the housing, but the process is cumbersome and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides a simple dynamic control system that allows one-handed operation. The lever can be moved between positions to attach or detach the vessel, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures or two-handed operation while maintaining secure attachment when engaged.
3Reliability
If a flexible seal is used to seal the mixing vessel to the housing, then a watertight seal is achieved, but the seal must accommodate relative movement between coupled and uncoupled positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible seal that can deform and adapt as the lever moves between coupled and uncoupled positions. This flexible membrane approach allows the seal to maintain effectiveness during transitions without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and mechanism complexity.
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
Facilitates effortless and secure attachment and detachment of the mixing vessel, improving user experience and reducing strain on plastic components.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible seal may include a face seal that interfaces a vertically aligned surface of the upper housing section to a vertically aligned side of the mixing vessel. The flexible seal may include a vessel seal portion configured to create a watertight seal between the mixing vessel and the upper housing section
Data Source
AI summary
A drink maker is described that includes a housing, a mixing vessel configured to be removably coupled to the housing and to receive a drink product, a dasher configured to mix the drink product within the mixing vessel, a drive motor configured to drive the dasher, and a processor configured to: detect an undesirable condition associated with the drink maker; and in response to detection of the undesirable condition, execute at least one remedial action that includes at least one of: alerting a user of the drink maker, deactivating the drive motor, or any combination thereof.