Food Processor Lid Locking Geometry for Self-Locking Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors face challenges in securely locking the lid on the cooking vessel, especially during operation, where high forces can be generated, leading to potential lid separation and fluid dynamics issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a locking part with a laterally offset support area that engages under the vessel edge, creating a self-locking mechanism with a torque in the closing direction, combined with positive locking means that ensure precise rotation angle alignment and mobility, and a seal for fluid-tight closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking part engages under the vessel edge to secure the lid, then the lid locking reliability is improved, but the locking part requires precise positioning which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed to automatically self-center on the vessel edge through geometric constraints (circular cross-section of vessel edge receiving the locking part). The elasticity of the lid and seal provide preload that automatically positions the locking part in the correct location, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms or adjustment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part features asymmetric contact area distribution: a larger contact area with the outer surface of the lid and a smaller support area with the edge of the vessel. This asymmetric design creates a torque that naturally drives the locking part into the self-centering position, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If the locking part is designed with laterally offset contact areas to create self-locking torque, then the lid locking security is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the locking part, specifically the lateral offset between the contact area and support area. This offset creates a torque arm that generates self-locking force. The elasticity of the lid and seal materials compensates for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable self-locking without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part has different functional zones: a larger contact area with the lid outer surface for force distribution, and a smaller support area with the vessel edge for positioning. This local differentiation of contact areas optimizes both the self-locking torque generation and the tolerance compensation, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Measurement precision
If positive locking means are provided to ensure precise rotation angle alignment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positive locking means are segmented into discrete features: protrusions on the locking part that engage with corresponding recesses on the vessel flange. This segmentation allows for precise rotation angle alignment through simple geometric interlocking, avoiding the need for continuous adjustment mechanisms or complex alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive locking means are pre-configured in fixed positions on both the locking part and vessel flange. When the locking part is rotated into position, the protrusions automatically engage with the recesses, preliminarily establishing the correct rotation angle alignment before final tightening. This eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment control.
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
The solution provides a secure, self-reinforcing lid locking mechanism that prevents separation even under high forces, ensuring a tight seal and precise alignment, enhancing the operational safety and efficiency of the food processor.
Implementation Method 1
a preload is exerted on the contact area or contact point between the locking part and the outer surface of the lid via the elasticity of the lid and, if necessary, via an elastic seal provided
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically operated food processor (1) with a cooking vessel (6) and a lid (10) for the cooking vessel (6), wherein the lid (10) can be locked against the cooking vessel (6) in the closed position, wherein the cooking vessel (6) further comprises a cooking vessel base and a vessel wall (12) extending upwards from the cooking vessel base, the vessel wall (12) transitioning into a radially projecting vessel rim (13), the lid (10) having a lid rim (16) which, in the closed position, overlaps the vessel rim (16), and the locking mechanism is formed by a locking element (17) for engaging the lid (10), which can be moved from a release position to the locked position and vice versa by rotating it about an axis (y), wherein the locking element (17) is elongated in the direction of extension of the axis (y) and, in the locked position, engages under the vessel rim (13) and the The lid edge (16) overlaps.To ensure secure locking of the lid to the cooking vessel, it is proposed that, in the locked state, a bearing area (24) of the locking part (17) which engages the vessel rim (13) is laterally offset from a contact area (32) of the locking part (17) with the outer surface of the lid, at least with regard to its actual interaction with the vessel rim (13), in relation to a cross-section, wherein the contact with the outer surface of the lid has a larger radial dimension than the contact of the bearing area (24) with the vessel rim (13).