Kitchen appliance with locking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors with locking systems secure pots stably but hinder quick removal, especially when high electrical power causes boiling over, risking kitchen accidents.
Innovation Solution
A recess on the pot ring's fold engages with a protruding locking pin from the cylindrical or conical wall segment, allowing for secure pot attachment while enabling easy vertical removal using a chamfered or rounded pin for forceful release, and an electromagnetically controlled latch for safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pot is locked in the food processor to secure it stably, then the pot stability is improved, but the pot cannot be quickly removed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through electromagnetic actuation. The locking pin is held in the locked position by a spring force and can be dynamically moved to the unlocked position by an electromagnetic actuator, allowing the system to adapt between stability and ease of removal based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking system is replaced with an electromagnetic locking mechanism. The electromagnetic actuator substitutes for manual manipulation, providing automated control of the locking pin position. This substitution enables quick unlocking through electrical signals while maintaining secure mechanical engagement during normal operation
2Ease of operation
If the entire food processor is lifted to remove the pot, then the pot can be removed, but the kitchen accident risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pot removal function from the entire food processor unit. The detachable pot with its integrated locking mechanism can be independently removed from the main food processor body, allowing users to quickly extract just the pot containing boiling food without moving the heavy base unit with heating elements and motor
3Stability of the object's composition
If a recess with small angle of repose is used for the locking pin, then the locking is more secure, but forceful removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The purely mechanical locking system is replaced with an electromagnetic locking system. The electromagnetic actuator provides controlled force to overcome the recess geometry and spring force, enabling forceful removal when necessary without being constrained by the recess angle. The system substitutes electrical actuation for manual mechanical manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism parameters (locking pin position, spring force, recess geometry) are optimized to provide secure locking during normal operation. The electromagnetic actuator introduces a new parameter (electrical current) that can dynamically change the locking state, allowing transition from secure locked position to unlocked position even against the recess geometry resistance
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 system securely attaches the pot against tipping and rotation, allowing safe and quick vertical removal to prevent boiling over accidents, with safety features like temperature and speed monitoring to prevent unintended unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
an operable locking pin (110), which consists of an extension (111) of the cylindrical or conical wall segment (104) protrudes
Implementation Method 2
the rocker arm being lockable via a latch driven electromagnetically, by electric motor or in some other way
Implementation Method 3
The preferred food processor according to the invention is equipped with a heating means for heating food to be cooked in the pot
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a food processor (100) for preparing food in a pot (101), comprising a locking system, the components of which are a pot holding device (102) of the base machine (103) with a cylindrical or conical wall segment (104), a pot (101) whose shape corresponds to the pot holding device (102), wherein the pot (101) rests against the cylindrical or conical wall segment (104) in the pot holding device (102) or is directly adjacent to it, a pot ring (105) which is detachably connectable to the rim (106) of the pot (101), wherein the pot ring (105) together with the wall (107) of the pot forms a fold, wherein the fold (108) of the fold is spaced apart from the pot wall (107) as part of the pot ring (105), and wherein the fold (108) extends behind the cylindrical or conical wall segment (104) attacks.According to the invention, a recess (109) is arranged on the outside of the fold (108) as a catch, into which an actuable locking pin (110) engages, the locking pin projecting from an extension (111) of the cylindrical or conical wall segment. This locking system allows for easy locking of the pot and quick removal of a locked pot from the food processor.