Dual-Axis Mixer Arm Layout for Better Bowl Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household food preparation appliances have limited ergonomics and accessibility issues, with a single working position and interference with the container when raised, and lack versatility in using different types of accessories.

Innovation Solution

A food preparation appliance with a base, lower arm, and upper arm connected by articulation devices allowing pivoting around both horizontal and vertical axes, enabling multiple working positions, easy access to the container, and compatibility with various accessories through a removable gearbox and speed reducer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the device is designed with a single working position for simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility of achievements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidnumber of achievements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static single working position into a dynamic multi-position system through dual-axis articulation devices. The lower arm can pivot horizontally around axis X and vertically around axis Y, creating multiple working positions that adapt to different accessory types and cooking tasks, thereby increasing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the lower arm is rotated 180° around vertical axis to provide new working position, then the ergonomics of use is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomics of useVSAvoidarticulation device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first articulation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides horizontal pivoting around axis X for basic arm movement, vertical pivoting around axis Y for rotational repositioning, and locking capability to secure the arm in predetermined positions. This multi-functional design achieves enhanced ergonomics while controlling complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated articulation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3079543B1Household food preparation appliance comprising a base, a lower arm and an upper arm connected to one another by hinge means
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 SEB SA
  • EP3079543B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3079543B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP3079543B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a household food preparation appliance comprising a base (1) intended to be placed flat on a work surface, a lower arm (2) connected to the base (1) by a first hinge means, and an upper arm (3) connected to the lower arm (2) by a second hinge means. The upper arm (3) comprises at least one drive mechanism rotated by a motor (4) and intended to be coupled to a food processing accessory, said drive mechanism opening at a lower face of the upper arm (3). The first hinge means allows the lower arm (2) to pivot on the base (1) about a first axis X, known as the horizontal axis, parallel to the work surface, while the second hinge means allows the upper arm (3) to pivot on the lower arm (2) about an axis X' parallel to the work surface. The appliance is characterised in that the first hinge means also allows the lower arm (2) to pivot about a second axis Y, known as the vertical axis, perpendicular to the work surface.