Food Preparation Appliance Locking System Using Flexible Cable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation appliances have ergonomics issues due to difficult access to control elements and inefficient locking systems, often requiring the appliance to be positioned laterally for easy access, which complicates visibility and counter space usage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheathed element connects the control and locking mechanisms, allowing for easy positioning of the control on the front panel and enabling the head to pivot or translate relative to the base, with a locking system that automatically locks in both positions, enhancing ergonomic design and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control unit is placed on the rear face of the base, then the container and activation elements are easily accessible, but the control unit becomes difficult to access and the appliance occupies more counter space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the control unit from the rear face to the front panel of the base, utilizing the front surface area that was previously underutilized. This spatial reorganization allows the control elements to be positioned in a more accessible location without increasing the appliance's footprint on the counter, effectively resolving the contradiction between control accessibility and counter space occupation
2Reliability
If a rigid locking system is used to lock the head in position, then the head is securely locked, but the base and head shapes are constrained and the locking system creates stress on the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable instead of a rigid locking mechanism to secure the head in position. This flexible element can accommodate various base and head shapes without imposing strict geometric constraints, while still providing sufficient locking force to maintain head stability during operation. The flexibility of the cable allows it to adapt to different appliance designs, resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and design freedom
3Reliability
If the locking system is positioned far from the control unit, then the locking mechanism is structurally stable, but the control cable experiences high stress and requires a complex routing path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulley as an intermediary element in the cable routing path between the control unit and locking mechanism. The pulley serves multiple functions: it redirects the cable to reduce bending stress, provides a mechanical advantage to reduce the force required for locking, and allows for more flexible cable routing that can accommodate the distance between control and locking elements without exposing the cable to excessive stress
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 provides easy access to control elements while maintaining appliance stability, reducing stress on the locking system, and allowing for flexible placement without constraining the base and head shapes, thus improving user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the locking system includes a spring for returning the locking member to the locked position when the head reaches at least the first position, preferably when the head reaches either of the first and second positions, and the control member is released
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a food preparation appliance comprising a base, a movable head between a first position, in which a rotating spindle of the head is placed above an opening of a container arranged on the base, and a second position, in which the spindle is free from the top of the opening, as well as a locking system 17 comprising a locking member 43, movable between a head locking position and a head unlocking position, and a control member 16, movable between a released position in which the locking member 43 can return to the locking position and an activated position in which the locking member is in the unlocking position.According to the invention, the locking system 17 comprises a flexible sheathed element 20 having a first movable end 20a connected to the control member 16 and a second movable end 20b connected to the locking member 43, to move the locking member 43 to its unlocking position when the control member 16 is activated.