Immersion Blender Bowl Clamp Interlock for Continuous Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand blenders are difficult to control, leading to user fatigue and safety concerns, and existing systems with permanently mounted handles or stand-alone mixing pot solutions are cumbersome and expensive, requiring users to constantly reset the on/off switch for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A mixing appliance assembly with a housing, motor, and shaft that includes a top handle with a pulse button and continuous run switch, a side port with an interlocking feature for bowl clamp or secondary handle, allowing for hands-free continuous operation without resetting the on/off switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanently mounted handle or stand-alone mixing pot mounting solution is used, then the blender can achieve stable operation, but the device becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The side port is designed to accept multiple types of attachments including bowl clamps, secondary handles, and port connecting members. This multi-functional design allows the same structural feature to provide stable operation through bowl mounting while avoiding the need for separate, expensive mounting solutions. The side port serves as a universal interface for different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mounting function and control function into a single integrated system. The bowl clamp not only provides mechanical stabilization but also engages with the interlock switch to enable continuous run mode. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate mounting devices and simplifies the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If the on/off switch must be reset after releasing the pulse button, then the device can be controlled safely, but continuous operation requires constant manual intervention leading to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock switch automatically detects when the bowl clamp is properly positioned and engaged, then self-activates the continuous run mode without requiring manual switch manipulation. The system serves itself by using the mechanical engagement state to automatically control the operational mode, eliminating user fatigue from constant switch resetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock switch provides feedback about the bowl clamp engagement state to the control circuit. When the bowl clamp is properly positioned, the interlock switch closes the circuit to enable continuous run mode. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust its operation based on the mechanical state, providing continuous operation without manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If the side port includes an interlocking feature for bowl clamp, then continuous run mode can be activated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side port structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical attachment for the bowl clamp, houses the interlock switch, and acts as a mounting point for other attachments. By making the side port multi-functional, the patent achieves automated continuous run activation without adding separate complex structures for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing appliance assembly includes a housing, which includes a motor and shaft operably coupled with the motor and extending outwardly from the housing. A top handle is operably coupled with a top end of the housing and includes a pulse button and a continuous run switch. A side port is disposed in the housing and configured to receive a port connecting member and includes an interlocking feature. An interlock switch is disposed inside the side port. A switch engagement member is configured to engage the interlock switch such that the continuous run switch can be depressed. A bowl clamp is engageable with the side port and configured to removably secure the housing to a bowl and includes the switch engagement member. A side handle is engageable with the side port and is configured to be removably coupled with the housing and aid a user in handling the mixing appliance.