Food Processor Lid Push-Push Locking Assembly for Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processing systems lack a secure and user-friendly mechanism for locking the lid to the container, which can lead to accidental spills and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with an actuator that moves along a first axis and a lock that moves along a second axis, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement of the lid with the container, utilizing a spring-biased mechanism and a push-push mechanism to retain the actuator in the actuated position, and interacting with an interlock to power the motorized unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking assembly is added to secure the lid to the container, then spill prevention and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the actuator moves along a first axis to engage/disengage locks, while simultaneously the locks move along a second axis (perpendicular to the first) to engage with the container. This dual-axis movement combines locking and unlocking actions into a single user operation, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed to interact with an interlock mechanism that also powers the motorized unit. This multi-functionality allows the same locking mechanism to serve both security purposes (preventing spills) and operational control (powering the motor), thereby improving lid security without adding separate complex systems.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple axes of movement is used, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and locks are kinematically coupled such that a single linear movement of the actuator along the first axis automatically drives the locks to move along the second axis. This merging of movement paths means the user performs only one simple action (pushing the actuator) while the internal mechanism handles the complex multi-axis coordination, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through its internal kinematic coupling. When the user moves the actuator along the first axis, the mechanism automatically translates this motion into lock engagement along the second axis without requiring the user to manually manipulate multiple components. This self-service characteristic simplifies user operation while ensuring reliable locking.
3Ease of operation
If spring biasing is used to bias the locking assembly towards the unlocked position, then ease of operation is improved, but locking stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides a biasing force that counteracts the locking force, creating a balanced system where the actuator can be easily pressed to overcome the spring bias and engage the lock. Once engaged, the lock's geometric constraints and the interlock mechanism provide stability that maintains the locked position despite the spring bias, thereby achieving both ease of operation and locking stability.
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
The solution provides a secure and intuitive locking mechanism that prevents spills and enhances user experience by requiring low activation forces and a single motion for locking and unlocking, while ensuring the lid is securely attached to the container.
Implementation Method 1
said locking assembly is spring biased towards said unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A lid of a food processing system selectively receivable by a container of the food processing system includes a lid body defining a cavity within the lid body, a locking assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity and an actuator associated the said lid body and the locking assembly. The locking assembly is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to application of a first force applied to the actuator. The locking assembly is movable from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to application of a second force applied to said actuator, the first force and said second force being applied in a same direction.