Lid for a mixing vessel of a kitchen appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors with non-transparent lids make it difficult to inspect the contents of the mixing vessel during operation, and adding interior lighting is complex and costly, preventing easy retrofitting for existing models.

Innovation Solution

A lid with an insert that contains a light source, allowing the interior of the mixing vessel to be illuminated through a transparent side wall, which can be easily retrofitted into existing food processors using a battery-operated LED or OLED light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-transparent lid is used to cover the mixing vessel, then protection against food escape and safety protection are improved, but the ability to inspect contents during operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against food escapeVSAvoidvisibility of contents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates a transparent or translucent section that allows light to pass through, enabling visual inspection of the contents while maintaining the protective function of the lid. This selective transparency resolves the contradiction between protection and visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If a transparent lid is used to improve visibility, then the ability to inspect contents is improved, but protection against food escape and safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of contentsVSAvoidprotection against food escape

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with a mixed structure where most of the lid remains opaque for protection, while a specific local section is made transparent or translucent. This allows the lid to provide protection overall while enabling visibility through the transparent section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If interior lighting is added to the mixing vessel to improve visibility, then the ability to inspect contents is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of contentsVSAvoidelectrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive lighting solutions such as LED lights that can be easily integrated without complex electrical wiring. The lighting system is designed to be simple and cost-effective, avoiding the need for complex electrical connections and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Loss of information

If interior lighting with electrical connections is added to improve visibility, then the ability to inspect contents is improved, but ease of retrofitting for existing models deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of contentsVSAvoidretrofitting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is designed as a modular component that can be independently added to the lid or mixing vessel. This segmentation allows the lighting feature to be retrofitted to existing food processors without requiring modifications to the main unit, thereby maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Illumination intensity

If a light source is arranged in the handle of the mixing vessel, then interior lighting is achieved, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior lightingVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is integrated directly into the lid structure itself, combining the lighting function with the existing lid component. This eliminates the need for separate lighting assemblies and reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to placing lights in the handle or as separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables clear visibility of the mixing vessel's contents during operation without the need for complex electrical connections, allowing for easy retrofitting and cost-effective implementation.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3772303B1Lid for a mixing vessel of a kitchen appliance

Publication Date: 2022.01.26 SMART PRODUCT CONCEPTS LIMITED

Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A lid (9) with an upper and a lower surface is disclosed for closing a receiving opening of a mixing bowl (11) of a food processor. An opening (10) extends through the lid (6) transversely to a covering plane. An insert (1), which is detachably connected to the lid (9) and closes the opening (10), is inserted into the opening (10). First connecting structures are provided in the area of the opening (10) which, together with second connecting structures (3) formed on the insert (1), create a detachable connection between the insert (1) and the lid (9). The insert (1) has a circumferential side wall (2) that projects beyond the upper surface of the lid (6). The insert (1) also has a cover surface (6) that closes off the end face of the side wall (2). This side wall (2) is transparent in at least one area.The insert (1) has a light source (7) which is designed to emit light (13) towards the opening (10) and towards the underside of the lid.