Food Processor Cover Element with Segmented Locking Support Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack an efficient and versatile locking mechanism for a cover element that can securely attach to the preparation vessel, allowing for functions like splash protection and citrus squeezing, while minimizing material usage and weight.
Innovation Solution
A cover element with radially protruding support elements that engage with an electric motor-driven locking device, ensuring secure attachment and allowing for dual functionality as a splash guard and lemon squeezer, with through-openings for steam discharge and straining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover element is designed to be locked to the preparation vessel using a locking device, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (at least two locking elements) that can be driven by a single electric motor. Each locking element independently engages with the support elements, distributing the locking function across multiple simple components rather than one complex mechanism, thereby achieving reliable attachment while keeping individual components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element serves multiple functions: it acts as a splash guard during food preparation, a lemon squeezer for citrus fruits, and a strainer through its through-openings. The support elements that enable locking also serve as engagement points for the locking device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving secure attachment without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If support elements are added to the cover element for locking engagement, then secure locking is achieved, but the weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are localized protrusions formed only at specific positions on the bearing edge where locking engagement is needed, rather than adding material throughout the cover element. The support elements extend radially outward only as much as necessary for locking engagement, concentrating material where functional requirements demand it and minimizing overall material usage and weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover element is designed with through-openings for straining and steam discharge, then multifunctionality is achieved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The through-openings are distributed around the cover element in a segmented pattern, allowing steam and liquid to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. The openings are positioned to provide multifunctionality (straining, steam discharge) while the remaining material between openings maintains sufficient strength for locking engagement and operational durability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a cover element (1) for at least partially covering a vessel opening (2) of a preparation vessel (3) of a food processor (4) and/or a lid opening (5) of a vessel lid (6) for the preparation vessel (3), wherein the cover element (1) has a radially outwardly extending support edge (7) for resting on the preparation vessel (3) and/or the vessel lid (6), wherein the support edge (7) has a continuously curved base contour (8) when viewed in the axial direction and the support edge (7) has at least two support elements (9) projecting beyond the base contour (8) that are opposite each other with respect to a radial direction and separate from each other when viewed in a circumferential direction.To advantageously further develop such a cover element (1), it is proposed that the support elements extending in an imaginary annular surface from a radially outer edge of the support elements (9) to the base contour are identical on both opposite sides in the axial direction and are formed in a plane extending perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a food processor (4) with a preparation vessel (3) and such a cover element (1) for it.