Kitchen appliance base, preparation module and kitchen appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances with automatic locking mechanisms can only accommodate preparation modules with a uniform basic shape, limiting their versatility and user convenience, as the locking means are arranged remotely from the base and do not allow for different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen appliance base equipped with a drive unit and a movably held locking element that can be moved between release and locking positions, enabling the secure locking of preparation modules in multiple orientations, including rotation, through a form-fitting connection and axial locking, facilitated by a drive unit with a clutch device to prevent damage from excessive force or torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic locking means with displaceable locking arms are used, then user safety and ease of use are improved, but the kitchen appliance base can only operate with preparation modules of uniform basic shape
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is made movable between a release position and a locking position, allowing it to adapt to different preparation module orientations. The drive unit enables automatic displacement of the locking element to engage with locking counter-sections on the preparation module, providing dynamic adaptation rather than fixed geometric constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the locking element through automatic displacement. By varying the angular position of the locking element between release and locking positions, the system can accommodate preparation modules in different orientations (e.g., 0° and 180°) without requiring different locking mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If locking means are arranged remotely from the base, then automatic locking is achieved, but preparation modules must have a uniform basic shape
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to move automatically between release and locking positions in response to preparation module insertion. This dynamic movement allows the remotely arranged locking means to adapt to different module orientations without manual intervention or fixed geometric constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the interaction between the locking element and locking counter-sections on the preparation module. When a preparation module is inserted in a valid orientation, the locking counter-sections guide the locking element into the correct position, providing automatic feedback-based adaptation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable locking element with drive unit is used, then different preparation modules can be locked in various orientations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions: it acts as both the locking component and the driven component, integrating the locking function with the orientation adaptation function. The drive unit is merged with the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems for each orientation
4Device complexity
If manual bayonet lock is used, then simple locking mechanism is achieved, but user safety during working process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system performs self-service by automatically engaging the locking element with the locking counter-sections when the preparation module is inserted. The system self-locks without requiring manual rotation or user intervention, ensuring consistent and reliable engagement while maintaining simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance base (2) with at least one receiving area (4) for at least one preparation module (3), wherein the receiving area (4) has at least one locking means (9) for mechanically locking the preparation module (3).A kitchen appliance base (2), a preparation module (1) and a kitchen appliance (1), with which an automatic locking of different preparation modules on a kitchen appliance base is enabled, are realized by the fact that the locking means (9) has at least one drive unit (10) and at least one movable locking element (11), that the locking element (11) is movable at least indirectly by means of the drive unit (10) at least between a release position and a locking position, that in the release position the preparation module (3) can be arranged in at least two different orientations in the receiving area (4), and that in the locking position a locking of the preparation module (3) with the kitchen appliance base (2) is effected.