Cover element for a preparation vessel of a food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processor cover elements are limited in their ability to securely lock onto the preparation vessel and provide effective splash protection, often requiring specific orientation and material thickness for locking, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased material usage.
Innovation Solution
A cover element with radially outward-facing support elements that protrude over a continuously curved base contour, allowing secure locking into the food processor's locking device and featuring passage openings for steam and liquid passage, while preventing splashes and solid items from escaping, with optional conical elevation for citrus juicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support edge has a continuously curved base contour with support elements protruding over it, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support edge features a continuously curved base contour viewed in the axial direction, which enables universal placement on the preparation vessel regardless of rotational orientation. This curved geometry simplifies the locking mechanism by eliminating the need for precise orientation alignment, thereby improving locking reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support edge includes at least two separate support elements that lie opposite each other in the radial direction and protrude over the base contour. These segmented support elements can be engaged by the locking device independently, providing reliable locking through multiple contact points while keeping each individual element simple in structure.
2Reliability
If the cover element is designed to securely lock onto the preparation vessel, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuously curved base contour of the support edge allows the cover element to be placed on the preparation vessel in any rotational orientation and still achieve proper engagement with the locking device. This eliminates the need for precise orientation alignment, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure locking through the protruding support elements.
3Reliability
If the support elements protrude over the base contour to enable locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements protrude over the base contour only to the extent necessary for reliable engagement with the locking device, not excessively. This partial protrusion provides sufficient locking reliability while minimizing additional material consumption compared to a fully extended support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the support structure into discrete support elements rather than a continuous extended structure, the design achieves reliable locking through localized protrusions. This segmented approach reduces overall material usage compared to a solid extended support rim, as material is concentrated only where needed for locking engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover element for at least partially covering a vessel opening of a preparation vessel of a food processor and/or a cover opening of a vessel cover for the preparation vessel, wherein the cover element has a radially outwardly facing support edge to be supported on the preparation vessel and/or vessel cover. The support edge has a continuously curved base contour viewed in the axial direction, and has at least two support elements, which lie opposite each other, are separate from each other and protrude over the base contour. The support elements extending in an imaginary circular ring surface that reaches from a radially outer edge of the support elements up to the base contour are identically designed on both opposing sides viewed in the axial direction and formed in the same plane extending perpendicular to the axial direction.