Food Preparation Tool with External Locking Mechanism for Safe Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation devices face challenges in safely removing mixing tools without obstructing the meal or causing user injury, and often require disassembly for cleaning, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation device with a rotatable tool that can be detachably connected to a shaft extending from outside the vessel, featuring a locking mechanism that allows the tool to be locked and unlocked from outside, enabling safe removal and easy cleaning without disassembling the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mixing tool is integrated into the food preparation device, then the tool can be used for mixing and chopping, but the tool obstructs meal removal and poses safety risks to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic releasable state. The tool is initially locked to the shaft for operation, then can be released by actuating the locking mechanism from outside the vessel, allowing safe removal without direct contact with the tool or food.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is extracted from the fixed integrated state and made detachable. After use, the tool can be removed from the shaft by actuating the locking mechanism, separating the tool from the food preparation vessel to enable safe meal removal and cleaning.
2Ease of operation
If the blending blade assembly is removed from the grommet, then the tool can be detached, but the pot leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tool and shaft. It provides a controlled detachment method that maintains sealing during operation through the sealed passage, and enables clean separation after use without causing leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachment function is segmented into controlled steps: the locking mechanism remains engaged during operation to maintain sealing, and can be actuated from outside the vessel to release the tool when needed, separating the sealing function from the detachment function.
3Productivity
If the tool is fixed to the shaft, then the tool can be driven for mixing, but the tool cannot be easily removed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between tool and shaft is dynamic rather than static. The locking mechanism allows the tool to be firmly fixed during mixing operations for effective driving, then can be released from outside the vessel to enable easy removal and cleaning without disassembly.
4Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to enable tool release, then the tool can be safely removed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the tool and shaft. It provides the necessary locking and release functionality through a relatively simple structure that can be actuated from outside the vessel without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a food preparation device with a rotatable tool 1 for chopping and/or mixing food in a food preparation vessel 2, wherein the tool 1 can be detachably connected to a shaft 3 which extends from outside the food preparation vessel 2 through a passage 4 towards the tool 1 inside the food preparation vessel 2 in order to drive the tool 1 to rotate. A locking mechanism for a locked connection of the tool 1 to the shaft 3 is provided and configured such that the connection of the tool 1 to the shaft 3 can be released and/or locked from outside the food preparation vessel 2. The invention further relates to an anchoring assembly 10 for the food preparation device. This enables easy and convenient removal of a prepared food item from the food preparation vessel 2.