Device for positioning a kitchen appliance, base apparatus comprising the device and method of using the base apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors are difficult to move safely and securely due to their weight, with current aids like cloths, blankets, and rolling boards being unhygienic or compromising stability, and existing sliding devices affecting scale functions and leaving residues.

Innovation Solution

A base device with a displacement means that can be adjusted between a deactivated and activated state, allowing the food processor to be moved easily while maintaining stability, using rollers or lubricants that project from the base only when activated, and a control system to ensure safe operation by preventing movement during food preparation or operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a food processor is made heavy to ensure stability during operation, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of moving the device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidease of moving
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing a movable base unit that can transition between a locked position (during operation) and an unlocked position (for moving). The base unit includes a movable element that can be selectively positioned to either engage with the work surface for stability or disengage to allow easy movement, thus dynamically adapting the device's mobility state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If sliding devices are used to move the food processor, then ease of moving is improved, but stability and cleanliness deteriorate due to residues and reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movingVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a movable base unit as an intermediate element between the food processor and the work surface. This base unit with its movable element acts as a mediator that provides controlled interaction - when locked, it ensures stability; when unlocked, it facilitates movement without direct contact between the processor and work surface that would cause residues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the base unit is designed to be stable during operation, then operational safety is improved, but ease of repositioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidease of repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing a movable base unit that can transition between a locked position (during operation) and an unlocked position (for moving). The base unit includes a movable element that can be selectively positioned to either engage with the work surface for stability or disengage to allow easy movement, thus dynamically adapting the device's mobility state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If cloths or blankets are used to facilitate moving, then ease of moving is improved, but hygiene deteriorates due to dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movingVSAvoidhygiene
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a movable base unit as an intermediate element between the food processor and the work surface. This base unit with its movable element acts as a mediator that provides controlled interaction - when locked, it ensures stability; when unlocked, it facilitates movement without direct contact between the processor and work surface that would cause residues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easy movement and secure positioning of the food processor without affecting its stability or scale functions, improving user comfort and safety, and reducing the risk of damage or injury.

Implementation Method 1

The sliding means is configured and designed for installation in a base area of a base unit of the food processor... using rollers or lubricants that project from the base only when activated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction through rollers: Roller

Implementation Method 2

using rollers or lubricants that project from the base only when activated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4111918B1Device for positioning a kitchen appliance, base apparatus comprising the device and method of using the base apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4111918B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4111918B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4111918B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for slidably positioning a food processor (11) on a work surface (12), comprising a sliding means (13) for moving the food processor (11) on the work surface (12), wherein the sliding means (13) is designed for installation in a base area (14) of a base unit (16) of the food processor (11), and an adjusting means (15) for adjusting the sliding means (13) between a deactivated state (Z1) of the sliding means (13) for positioning the sliding means (13) spaced apart from the work surface (12) and an activated state (Z2) of the sliding means (13) for positioning at least a part of the sliding means (13) on the work surface (12) for moving the food processor (11). The invention further relates to a basic device (16) with a device (10) according to the invention and to a method for operating a basic device (16) according to the invention.