Hand Mixer Coupling Locking Structure Against Dual Tool Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand mixers lack sufficient safety measures to prevent simultaneous use of stirring and mixing tools and are prone to contamination from particles or liquids entering unused coupling devices.
Innovation Solution
A hand mixer design featuring non-coincident and non-parallel opening planes with a shape-changing closure element that alternately opens and closes the coupling devices, ensuring only one tool can be inserted at a time, and a flexible connecting element for secure operation and contamination prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both coupling devices are left open and accessible, then the device is easy to operate and versatile, but simultaneous use of stirring and mixing tools cannot be prevented and contamination can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to be movable between different positions (first position closing first opening, second position closing second opening) rather than being fixed. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt its protective state based on operational requirements, enabling safe alternation between stirring and mixing tool coupling while maintaining ease of access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element acts as an intermediary component between the two coupling devices. It selectively blocks access to one coupling device at a time, preventing simultaneous or incorrect tool usage while still allowing controlled access to the active coupling device. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by providing conditional protection rather than complete closure.
2Reliability
If a closure element is introduced to block openings, then safety against incorrect operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks the first opening when in the first position, blocks the second opening when in the second position, and can be integrated with operating elements for controlling the motor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is merged with the operating elements for controlling the motor into an integrated assembly. By combining these functions into a unified structure, the patent avoids adding separate independent components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the safety improvement of preventing incorrect operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hand mixer (1) comprising a housing (2), a drive unit with a motor (5), a first coupling device accessible through a first opening (8) of the housing (2) for coupling a stirring tool to the drive unit, and a second coupling device accessible through a second opening (11) of the housing (2) for coupling a mixing tool to the drive unit, wherein the openings (8, 11) approximately define a first and a second opening plane that do not coincide, further comprising a shape-changing locking element (19) slidably mounted relative to the housing (2) for alternately closing the first opening (8) or the second opening (11). This creates a hand mixer (1) in which increased safety can be achieved even in the event of incorrect operation.In particular, the simultaneous use of a stirring tool and a mixing tool can be prevented with increased safety. Furthermore, unintentional user interference and/or contamination from the ingress of particles or liquids into an unused opening of the housing can also be avoided.