Kneading Machine Safety Ring for Pinch Point Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kneading machines with open concepts pose safety hazards due to pinch points when the kneading tool swings into the bowl, risking limb entrapment and injury.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a first safety ring surrounding the lid and additional pinch protectors for trunnion bearings, which detect relative movement and actuate a switch to reverse the motor direction, ensuring safe swiveling of the kneading tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the kneading machine uses an open concept design, then the structure is simpler and more cost-effective, but pinch points are created when the kneading tool swings into the bowl, posing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A safety ring is introduced as an intermediary protective element that surrounds the lid and extends into the kneading bowl. This safety ring acts as a physical barrier between the moving kneading tool and the operator's limbs, preventing direct contact at the pinch points while allowing the open concept design to be maintained
Solution Approach 2:
A detector is integrated into the safety ring to detect relative movement between the safety ring and the lid. When entrapment is detected, the detector triggers a switch that reverses the motor direction, providing automatic feedback-based safety control that responds to hazardous conditions in real-time
2Reliability
If a safety ring is added to protect against pinch points, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety ring is merged with the lid structure, where the safety ring is movably secured to the lid as a single integrated assembly. This combining of components reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the safety function
Solution Approach 2:
The safety ring serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier against pinch points, provides a mounting structure for the detector, and works in conjunction with the lid to create a comprehensive safety system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate safety components
Data Source
AI summary
A kneading machine includes a kneading machine frame with a lower portion and a head movable relative to the lower portion between a lower operating position and an upper cleaning position. A kneading bowl is on the lower portion and a drivable kneading tool and a lid closing an opening of the kneading bowl in the operating position are the head. The lid is surrounded on a circumferential side by a first safety ring of a safety device which projects beyond the lid on an underside thereof, and which is movably fastened to the lid. The safety device includes a detector to detect a relative movement between the lid and the first safety ring. The kneading machine frame includes at least two trunnion bearings, each defined by a trunnion and a matching receptacle.