Preparation module for a kitchen appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliance preparation modules have complex structures with numerous moving parts, leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The preparation module integrates the transmission element, lid locking element, and counter element in a rotationally fixed manner, allowing them to move together about an axis of rotation, simplifying the transmission of mechanical forces and reducing the number of moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmission element, lid locking element, and counter element are connected with multiple separate moving parts, then the mechanical function can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission element, lid locking element, and counter element into a single integrated component that rotates about a common axis. This merging of previously separate moving parts into one unified structure directly reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining the mechanical function of transmitting rotational movement from the actuating unit to lock or unlock the lid.
2Reliability
If multiple separate moving parts are used to transmit rotational movement, then the mechanical function is achieved, but the number of potential malfunction sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the transmission element, lid locking element, and counter element into a single rotating component, the patent eliminates the interfaces and connections between separate parts that could fail. This single integrated component has no internal moving interfaces, thereby reducing potential malfunction sources while preserving the mechanical transmission function.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable locking mechanism is implemented, then the lid can be locked and released, but the mechanical transmission requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism components into a single integrated rotatable element that performs both the transmission of rotational movement and the locking/unlocking function. This eliminates the need for separate transmission components while maintaining the ease of operation for lid locking and releasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated rotating component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the counter element that interacts with the actuating unit, the transmission element that transfers rotational movement, and the lid locking element that secures or releases the lid. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a preparation module (1) for arrangement in a receiving area (2) of a kitchen appliance base (3) of a kitchen appliance (4), wherein the preparation module (1) comprises a preparation vessel (1a) with at least one preparation chamber (5) for receiving food, at least one counter element (12), at least one transmission element (13), and at least one lid locking element (8), wherein the counter element (12), the transmission element (13), and the lid locking element (8) are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (R), and wherein the counter element (12) is rotatable at least between a first position and a second position, and the lid locking element (8) is rotatable between a lid release position and a lid locking position. The transmission element (13), the lid locking element (8), and the counter element (12) are rotationally fixed to one another about the axis of rotation (R).