Kitchen Utensil Coupling Release for One-Button Accessory Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen utensils with exchangeable accessories require manual gripping and wriggling to release accessories from the power unit, which can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with hot or greasy food, and may lead to user error due to complex disassembly mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with locking members and release levers that move perpendicular to the release lever, utilizing attracting/repelling members to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of accessories, allowing for automatic ejection without manual handling, and featuring hidden attachment means for ease of use and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gripping and wriggling is required to release accessories, then the release mechanism can be simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and user safety worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism automatically ejects the accessory from the power unit when the release button is pressed, eliminating the need for manual gripping and wriggling. The system serves itself by using the button press to trigger the ejection mechanism, which then automatically separates the components.
Solution Approach 2:
A release lever acts as an intermediary between the release button and the locking member. When the button is pressed, the lever translates this action into movement of the locking member, which then triggers the accessory ejection. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user interaction while achieving the desired release function.
2Ease of repair
If attachment means are exposed, then ease of repair improves, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to dirt collection and user error
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means (screws) are nested within the locking member structure, which covers them when in normal operation. This nesting protects the attachment means from dirt collection and prevents users from accidentally accessing or damaging them, while still allowing authorized repair personnel to access them when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as a protective shell or cover over the attachment means. This shell can be removed or opened by authorized personnel for repair purposes while providing continuous protection against dirt and preventing unauthorized user access during normal operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If releasing mechanism requires manual handling, then device complexity is low, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to burns from hot food
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism automatically performs the ejection function when activated, eliminating the need for users to manually handle or grip the accessory. The system protects users from hot food by automatically separating the accessory from the power unit without requiring user contact with potentially hot components.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is rapidly ejected from the power unit when the release button is pressed, quickly moving the accessory away from the user's hand. This rapid ejection minimizes the time during which the user could be exposed to hot food or steam, effectively skipping through the dangerous interaction period.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to release system for a kitchen utensil (1) comprising a coupling system (2) for connecting an accessory (3) to a power unit (4) of the kitchen utensil (1). A release mechanism on the coupling system (2) for connecting the accessory (3) comprise one or more locking member(s) (6) and one or more release lever(s). These parts (6) are adapted to move between a locked position and a release position where they slidably connect(s) with one another. Hereby the accessory (3) can be seperated from the power unit (4) by only pushing a single release button (5) on the kitchen utensils' (1) power unit (4).