Food Processor Acoustic Lid-Lock Feedback for Operational Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack reliable feedback mechanisms for users to confirm the correct locking and unlocking of the lid, leading to potential operational hazards and inefficiencies, as users must visually or manually verify the lid's position without clear indication, which can result in incorrect operation or safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system connected to a controller provides distinct acoustic signals when the lid moves from the unlocked to locked and locked to unlocked positions, ensuring users receive clear auditory feedback on the lid's position, complemented by a mechanically or electrically coupled holding device that secures the container during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical lid latch is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot reliably recognize the correct locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an acoustic feedback system using a sensor to detect lid position and an acoustic signal transmitter to emit distinct signals for locked and unlocked positions. This provides reliable feedback to users about the lid's state without adding complex mechanical structures, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and information feedback.
2Device complexity
If no lid position feedback is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but operational safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic feedback system provides clear auditory signals that confirm to users whether the lid is properly locked or unlocked. This enhances operational safety by preventing accidents caused by incorrect lid positioning, while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of electronic sensing and acoustic signaling rather than complex mechanical feedback mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If visual display is used for lid position indication, then feedback is provided, but the user interface becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display mechanisms with an acoustic signaling system. The acoustic signal transmitter emits distinct sounds to indicate lid position, providing clear feedback without adding visual clutter to the user interface. This substitution of sensory modality (from visual to acoustic) resolves the contradiction between providing information and maintaining interface simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A food processor is disclosed, comprising: • a housing, • a container for receiving ingredients with an opening at the top, • a stirring and/or chopping tool arranged in the container, • a drive arranged in the housing for rotating the stirring and/or chopping tool, • a receptacle on the housing for the container with a coupling for transmitting torque generated by the drive to the stirring and/or chopping tool arranged in the container, • a heating device arranged in the housing, • a lid movable between a locking position and an unlocking position for closing the opening of the container, • and a control unit for the automatic operation of the food processor. The food processor has sensors connected to the control unit for detecting the locked and unlocked positions of the lid.An acoustic signal generator is connected to the control unit and is designed to emit a first acoustic signal when the lid moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, and to emit a second acoustic signal, different from the first acoustic signal, when the lid moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.