Food Processor Automatic Lid Locking for Safe Agitator Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors require manual handling and separate operations for locking the lid and starting the agitator, which can lead to user inconvenience and potential safety issues during high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
The food processor automatically locks the lid when a speed is preselected for the agitator, allowing the agitator to start only after the lid is securely locked, and releases the lid lock after a predetermined time following the agitator's standstill, ensuring safe and convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and separate operations are used for locking the lid and starting the agitator, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and operational safety worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid locking function and agitator control into a single integrated system. The microcontroller automatically coordinates the locking mechanism and motor operation based on user input, eliminating the need for separate manual locking and starting actions. This merging of functions improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary locking of the lid automatically before allowing the agitator to start. The microcontroller detects user input for agitator operation, automatically activates the locking mechanism, and only then permits motor operation. This preliminary action ensures safety and convenience without requiring complex manual procedures from the user.
2Ease of operation
If the lid lock is released immediately after the agitator stops, then ease of operation improves, but harmful factors worsen due to liquid splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The system delays the lid unlocking action until after a predetermined time period following agitator stoppage. This preliminary waiting period allows liquid in the mixing vessel to settle and prevents splashing when the lid is removed. The microcontroller automatically manages this timing sequence, providing convenience to users while eliminating the harmful effect of liquid projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a preliminary anti-action by delaying lid release to counteract the potential harmful effect of liquid splashing. By waiting for the liquid to settle before allowing lid removal, the system preemptively prevents the harmful effect from occurring, rather than attempting to mitigate it after the fact.
3Reliability
If automatic lid locking is implemented before agitator start, then operational safety improves, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller automatically executes the lid locking action as a preliminary step before permitting agitator operation. When the user inputs a command for agitator operation, the system automatically activates the locking mechanism, verifies proper engagement, and only then enables motor operation. This automated preliminary action ensures safety without requiring complex manual procedures or additional user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the lid locking function automatically through its own control system without requiring separate user actions. The microcontroller monitors user input, automatically coordinates the locking mechanism activation, and manages the sequence of operations. This self-service approach improves operational safety while avoiding the need for additional complex user interfaces or manual procedures.
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
This configuration simplifies user interaction, enhances operational safety by preventing lid removal during agitator operation and reduces the risk of liquid splashing, while maintaining a cost-effective design with a small and efficient electric motor.
Implementation Method 1
the first electric motor first and automatically locks the lid
Implementation Method 2
the second electric motor is released to drive the agitator
Implementation Method 3
locking parts that can be driven by an electric motor are provided, which in the locking position engage over the lid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically operated food processor (1) with a mixing bowl (6), an electric motor-driven agitator (7) in the mixing bowl (6) and a lid (10) for the mixing bowl (6), the lid (10) being electric motor can be locked, a first electric motor (19) for locking the cover (10) and a second electric motor (8) for driving the agitator (7). In order to design such a food processor in an advantageous manner, in particular in terms of handling technology, while maintaining operational safety, it is proposed that the food processor (1) be set up in such a way that when a speed of the agitator (7) is preselected, the first electric motor (19) first and automatically locks the lid and temporarily then the second electric motor (8) for driving the agitator (7) is released.