Lid for culinary apparatus comprising a manually operated rope device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operated rope drive mechanisms for kitchen appliances, such as salad spinners and blenders, have complex assembly processes that cannot be automated, requiring manual tensioning of return springs and assembly integration with the appliance lid, limiting adaptability and ease of replacement.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained rope drive device that can be manufactured independently of the appliance cover, with pre-tensioned return springs and integrated wire guides, allowing for easier assembly and adaptability to various cover geometries, and enabling detachment for replacement or cleaning without losing tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the rope drive mechanism is integrated into the lid assembly, then the mechanism can be supported by the lid structure, but the assembly process becomes complex and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The rope drive mechanism is separated from the lid assembly into an independent module. The mechanism can be pre-assembled and tested separately, then installed as a complete unit into the lid, enabling automated assembly processes and reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring is pre-tensioned during the manufacturing of the rope drive mechanism itself, before installation into the lid. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual tensioning during final assembly, allowing automated assembly and improving manufacturing efficiency.
2Extent of automation
If the return spring is tensioned manually during assembly, then the mechanism can be adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring is pre-tensioned during the manufacturing of the rope drive mechanism in the factory. This preliminary action ensures the spring is properly tensioned before installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual tensioning during final assembly and enabling automated assembly processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lid design includes fixed points for the spring, then the spring can be properly tensioned, but the lid design becomes constrained and less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The rope drive mechanism is designed as a self-contained module with integrated spring mounting features. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be adapted to different lid geometries without requiring specific fixed points in the lid design, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining proper spring tensioning.
4Ease of repair
If the rope drive mechanism is pre-assembled in the lid, then the assembly is complete, but the mechanism cannot be easily replaced or cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The rope drive mechanism is designed as a modular, self-contained unit that can be easily detached from the lid as a complete assembly. This segmentation enables simple replacement and cleaning of the entire mechanism without disassembling individual components or affecting the lid structure.
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
Simplifies the assembly process, enhances industrial autonomy, and allows for easy replacement or cleaning of the drive mechanism, ensuring consistent performance and ease of use across different appliance designs.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring (5) arranged between the drive wheel (4) and the guide cover (6), the return spring (5) being arranged to store a return force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The field of the invention is that of self-return cable reels that are actuated manually, not electrically, making it possible to transmit a movement from one part to another part by pulling a cord or a string. The subject of the invention is an autonomous drive device, comprising a string, which is intended to set a working unit (2) manually in rotation about an axis of rotation by pulling a string transversely to the axis of rotation A, the device comprising a drive wheel (4), a return spring (5) and a guide cover (6), the whole being disposed coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation A, a string (7), one end of which is wound around the drive wheel (4) and the other end of which is connected to a handle (8), a displacement element (63) disposed transversely with respect to the axis of rotation and a string guide (9), characterized in that the string guide (9) is removable and arranged on the guide cover (6), and the guide cover (6) comprises the displacement member (63) for moving the handle (8) away and tensioning the string (7) in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation A.