Articulated Mixer Arm Handle Layout for Clean Ergonomic Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household food preparation appliances with articulated upper arms lack ergonomic handling, leading to soiling of the motor housing and risk of water introduction into electrical parts during cleaning, and provide limited ergonomic benefits, especially when used from angles other than directly opposite the front end.

Innovation Solution

The appliance features a gripping handle extending along the side edges of the upper arm, accessible around the arm, with articulation devices allowing pivoting and locking, enabling multiple working positions, including right-angle and vertical configurations for optimized accessory use, and a removable gearbox for low-speed operation, with a motor positioned transversely to minimize motion transmission components and maintain compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manipulates the articulated upper arm by grasping the motor housing, then the device can be repositioned, but the motor housing becomes soiled and water may penetrate into electrical parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation of upper armVSAvoidsoiling and water exposure of motor housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the gripping function from the motor housing by adding a dedicated handle structure. The handle is positioned at the front end of the upper arm, allowing users to manipulate the arm without contacting the motor housing located at the rear end. This segmentation of functions protects the electrical components from water and soil contamination while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a gripping handle is arranged on the front face of the upper arm, then ergonomics of use is improved, but the handle is only accessible when the user is positioned opposite the front end

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomics of useVSAvoidaccessibility from different positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the handle not only at the front face but also along the side edges of the upper arm. This three-dimensional arrangement of the handle allows users to grasp it from multiple positions and angles, thereby maintaining excellent ergonomics whether positioned directly in front or at side angles relative to the upper arm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the upper arm is made foldable for compact storage, then space efficiency is improved, but access to the base and storage container is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidaccess to base and storage container
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates articulation devices with locking means that enable the upper arm to assume multiple dynamic positions: a folded position for compact storage and a deployed position for operational access. The locking mechanism ensures the arm remains stable in each position, allowing users to easily transition between storage and operational states while maintaining access to the base and storage container when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3079542B1Household food preparation appliance comprising a lower arm borne by a base and an upper arm connected to the lower arm by a hinge means
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 SEB SA
  • EP3079542B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3079542B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP3079542B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a household food preparation appliance comprising a base (1) intended to be placed flat on a work surface, a lower arm (2) borne by the base (1) and an upper arm (3) comprising a rear end connected to the lower arm (2) by a hinge means, the upper arm (3) comprising at least one drive mechanism rotated by a motor (4) and intended to be coupled to a food processing accessory. The appliance is characterised in that the upper arm (3) comprises a gripping handle (30) extending at least partially in front of a front end of the upper arm (3).