Kitchen Appliance Tool Assembly Using Rotary Twist-Lock Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling kitchen appliance tools are complex and costly, lacking a simplified and cost-effective approach for connecting the foot and head parts, which are essential for rotating the knife during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method where the foot and head parts are connected via a rotary movement, utilizing a twist lock mechanism with a dumbbell-shaped shell for alignment and sealing, allowing for reliable assembly without additional fastening means, and enabling the tool to be detachably or permanently coupled to a kitchen appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional assembly methods are used for connecting foot part and head part, then the connection can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection function between foot part and head part into a single integrated rotary movement operation. The head part is designed with an asymmetric coupling mechanism that engages with the foot part through one rotational motion, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate assembly steps (alignment, insertion, fastening) into a single unified action, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the foot part contains a recess with specific geometric features, while the head part contains a corresponding protrusion with matching asymmetric geometry. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with standardized features, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining connection reliability
2Productivity
If traditional assembly methods are used for connecting foot part and head part, then the connection can be achieved, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling features (recess in foot part, protrusion in head part) are pre-formed during the manufacturing of individual components. The asymmetric geometry is built-in beforehand, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly. This preliminary preparation of geometric features enables rapid connection through a single rotary movement, significantly improving productivity while minimizing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional fastening methods that require sequential operations (screwing, clipping, or bolting), the patent inverts the approach by using a rotary insertion method where the head part is rotated into the foot part. This inverted assembly sequence, combined with the asymmetric coupling geometry, ensures proper orientation is achieved automatically during the single rotational motion, reducing both time and resource consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fitting a tool for a kitchen appliance, wherein a shaft (12), via which a blade (13) can be set in rotation by the kitchen appliance during operation, is mounted in a base part (1) and in a top part (8) of the tool and the base part (1) comprises a sleeve (2) provided for receiving the shaft (12) and the top part (8) comprises a coupling (9) for coupling the tool to the kitchen appliance. According to the invention, in one method step, the base part (1) and the top part (8) are connected to one another by a rotational movement. The invention also relates to a tool for a kitchen appliance and to a kitchen appliance. The improved method is intended to enable an easier and more cost-effective installation of a tool.