Kitchen Device Dual-Circuit Interlock for Dishwasher-Safe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen devices with mechanical interlocks face challenges such as complexity, accuracy requirements, food jamming, dishwasher safety, and multi-functional regulatory compliance, as well as difficulties in placing interlock connections for accessories of varying geometries.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen device with an interlock system comprising a first and second interlock circuit, where the first circuit is completed by coupling the lid to the vessel, and the second circuit is activated through a non-contact output, allowing delivery of electrical power to the processing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlocks are used to detect lid closure, then the interlock function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires more parts and moving mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock systems with magnetic field-based detection. A magnet is embedded in the lid, and a magnetic sensor on the base detects the magnet's presence to determine lid closure status. This eliminates complex mechanical moving parts, switches, and contact mechanisms while maintaining reliable interlock functionality.
2Reliability
If mechanical interlocks with many moving parts are used, then the interlock function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to avoid food jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detection system eliminates mechanical moving parts that require tight tolerances. The magnet and magnetic sensor configuration has no moving components that can jam or wear, thereby eliminating the need for high manufacturing precision while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If mechanical interlocks are used, then the interlock function is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to difficulty in dishwasher-safe design
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic system consists of a magnet embedded in the lid and a magnetic sensor on the base. These components have no moving parts that can deform in dishwasher conditions. The magnet remains securely embedded and the magnetic sensor is a solid-state component resistant to heat and water, making the entire interlock system dishwasher-safe.
4Device complexity
If a single interlock connection position is used, then the design is simplified, but the adaptability decreases for accessories of varying geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic interlock system uses a magnet that can be positioned at different locations on the lid and a magnetic sensor on the base that detects the magnet's presence regardless of specific positioning variations. This configuration allows the same interlock mechanism to work with different lid types and accessory geometries, providing universal compatibility while maintaining simple design.
Data Source
AI summary
A kitchen device (100) including: abase (102) having a mechanism (118) that is operated using electrical power to cause processing of food; a vessel (104) removably mounted on the base (102) and including a bottom wall (108), a side wall (110) extending upwardly from the bottom wall (108) to a rim (112) so as to provide a space (114) to receive the food to be processed, with the rim (112) surrounding an opening (116) to the space (114); a lid (106) removably coupled to the rim (112) so as to at least partially close the opening (116); and an interlock system (120) operatively associated with the mechanism (118) to permit the delivery of the electric power to the mechanism (118), the system (120) including a first interlock circuit (122) and a second interlock circuit (124), wherein delivery of the electric power to the mechanism (118) is permitted by the completion of the first interlock circuit (122) and activation of the second interlock circuit (124), wherein the first interlock circuit (122) includes a first coupling (126) to complete the first circuit (122), the first coupling (126) including a first portion (128) mounted to the lid (106) and a second portion (130) mounted to the vessel (104) adjacent the rim (112) so that the first portion (128) is located adjacent the second portion (130) when the lid (106) is coupled to the rim (112) thereby completing the first circuit (122), and wherein the second interlock circuit (124) includes a second coupling (136) to activate the second interlock circuit (124), the second coupling (136) including a first portion (138) that is part of the second interlock circuit (124) and mounted to the base (102), the first portion (138) being operatively associated with a second portion (140) that is mounted to the vessel (104) and part of the first interlock circuit (122), wherein completion of the first interlock circuit (122) causes operation of the second portion (140) of the second coupling (136), thereby causing operation of the first portion (138) of the second coupling (136) to thus activate the second interlock circuit (124) and permit delivery of the electric power to the mechanism (118).