Preparation vessel for a kitchen appliance and kitchen appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliance lid locking mechanisms require a dwell time before unlocking, even when no fluid stream is present, leading to user inconvenience and reduced comfort.
Innovation Solution
A lid locking unit that moves partially into the release position upon translational movement, allowing immediate unlocking when a force is applied, and features a locking mechanism that prevents further movement into the release position unless a force is acting on the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent lid opening during fluid stream, then safety is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to mandatory dwell time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static state (locked/unlocked) to a dynamic state with an intermediate partial release position. The lid locking unit can move partially in the release direction without fully unlocking, allowing the system to respond dynamically to applied forces while maintaining safety control through the blocking element's selective engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is pre-positioned to engage with the lid locking unit's movement path. When a force is applied during fluid stream, the blocking element automatically prevents the lid locking unit from reaching the full release position, providing preliminary protection against unintended opening before the fluid stream can cause harm.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism requires dwell time to settle fluid stream, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic movement of the lid locking unit to a partial release position rather than requiring a fixed dwell time. This allows the preparation process to continue without unnecessary delays, as the lid can be partially released immediately when needed while still maintaining safety through the blocking element's selective engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the lid locking unit moves partially into release position when force is applied, then user convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential fluid escape
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the lid locking unit and the full release position. It mediates the movement by allowing partial release when force is applied (improving user convenience) while simultaneously preventing complete opening that would cause fluid escape (maintaining reliability). The blocking element's selective engagement ensures that the lid can only be fully opened when the blocking element disengages, which occurs only when appropriate release conditions are met.
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), wherein the preparation module (1) comprises at least one preparation vessel (1a) and at least one lid (6), wherein the preparation vessel (1a) comprises at least one preparation chamber (5) for receiving food and at least one lid locking unit (7), wherein the lid (6) is removable in at least one lid release position of the lid locking unit (7) and is locked to the preparation vessel (1a) in at least one lid locking position of the lid locking unit (7), wherein the lid locking unit (7) comprises at least one locking means (19), wherein the locking means (19) in a locking position prevents the lid locking unit (7) from moving at least into the lid release position, at least when a force from the preparation chamber (5) acts on the lid (6).The lid locking unit (7) is at least partially moved in the direction of the lid release position when the locking means (19) is in the locking position, and that the locking means (19) is brought into the locking position at least by a translational movement of the lid (6).