Kneading or mixing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kneading and mixing machines lack effective safety mechanisms for operators and have cumbersome cleaning processes for safety shields.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a safety shield with enlarged arms and a magnetically activatable safety switch, allowing easy removal and cleaning, and features a removable elastomeric covering element for the funnel-shaped portion to protect against substance exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the safety shield is made fixed and permanently mounted, then operator safety is improved, but ease of removal for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety shield is divided into multiple segments (first safety shield portion and second safety shield portion) that can be independently removed from the bearings. This segmentation allows the shield to be easily disassembled for cleaning while maintaining safety during operation when the segments are properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety shield transitions from a fixed state during operation to a removable state for cleaning. The bearing design with entry slits and enlarged heads enables dynamic positioning - the shield segments can be inserted and locked in place during operation, then easily removed when cleaning is needed, adapting to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the safety shield is made removable for easy cleaning, then ease of operation for cleaning is improved, but operator safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A safety switch provides feedback about the position of the safety shield to control system. When the shield is properly positioned and locked, the switch confirms safe operation. When removed or improperly positioned, the switch prevents motor operation, ensuring safety is maintained even though the shield is removable.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety switch acts as an intermediary between the safety shield position and the motor control system. It mediates the connection by monitoring shield position and only allowing motor operation when the shield is properly in place, thus bridging the gap between removable shield design and safety requirements.
3Reliability
If a traditional safety switch mechanism is used, then safety control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interlocking safety mechanisms with a simpler magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet mounted on the safety shield interacts with a magnetic sensor or reed switch on the bearing, providing safety control through magnetic field detection rather than complex mechanical linkages, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operator safety by preventing accidental motor activation when the shield is removed and facilitates easy cleaning of the shield components, ensuring durability and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet being mounted to one of the arms to give rise to the magnetic activation of the safety switch
Data Source
AI summary
A kneading or mixing machine including a housing with opposite side walls, a motor in the housing for driving a kneading or mixing tool. A safety shield mounted to bearings for turning about an axis (A), the safety shield adapted to at least partly shield the tool when the safety shield is turned to a shielding position, the safety shield including a pair of arms. Each arm having a head at a free end thereof, a central portion of each bearing receiving the head to allow for said turning, and the central portion of each bearing communicating with an entry slit configured for insertion of the head into the central portion in a direction transverse to the axis (A).