Food Processor Interlock Latch for Dual Vessel Base Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlock systems for domestic electrical appliances face challenges in being robust, reliable, and cost-effective while meeting regulatory requirements and aesthetic design standards, particularly in ensuring safe operation with moving parts and heating elements.
Innovation Solution
An interlock system with a housing containing a drive motor and upstanding latch members distributed in a symmetrical circular pattern, featuring different base configurations and apertures for interlock actuators, which ensures safe current flow only when receptacles are securely closed, accommodating both left- and right-handed operation and incorporating bayonet fixing arrangements for secure latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different base configurations are accommodated with multiple latch members, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch members are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide mechanical latching for different base configurations and simultaneously serve as carriers for interlock actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each base type, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock system is segmented into discrete latch members distributed around the receptacle perimeter, with each latch member independently capable of engaging different base configurations. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple configurations without requiring a completely different mechanism for each, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If robust and reliable interlock systems are provided to meet regulatory stipulations, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism and interlock switch actuation are merged into a single integrated system. The latch members serve dual purposes: mechanical retention and electrical interlock actuation. This consolidation maintains high reliability by ensuring both functions are achieved through coordinated design, while reducing manufacturing cost by eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each latch.
3Reliability
If discrete upstanding latch members are distributed in predetermined pattern, then latching reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch members are distributed in an asymmetric predetermined pattern around the receptacle perimeter, with at least one latch member positioned to provide both latching and interlock actuation functions. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes reliability by ensuring proper engagement geometry while maintaining manageable complexity through strategic placement rather than uniform distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an interlock system whereby operation of a domestic appliance such as a food processor containing an electric motor capable of driving a bladed or similar processing tool at relatively high speed is inhibited unless a vessel having a first or a second base configuration is securely mounted to the appliance so as to contain the tool; the vessel having a lid or cover intended to be in place for safe operation when the processing tool is driven by the motor. A vessel-supporting surface of the appliance carries several up-standing latches, each of which is formed with features capable of co-operating with vessels having either of the base configurations to temporarily latch either type of vessel operationally to the appliance. At least one of the latches is formed with first and second apertures allowing operational access for respective interlock actuators responsive to the lid or cover of a vessel being in place as intended, to an interlock switch whereby electrical current is permitted to flow to the motor only when a vessel having one or other of the different base configurations is latched to the appliance and the vessel is safely closed by its lid or cover.