Hand-Held Mixer Battery Docking and Safety Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held mixers lack a convenient and efficient battery power management system that allows for cordless operation without the risk of unexpected motor activation when a power source is connected.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered hand-held mixer design featuring a battery receptacle that moves between docked and undocked conditions, with a motor powered by a 12-volt battery pack, and a gearbox system that enables the beater to rotate via a drive shaft axis, incorporating a rotary control ring to prevent unexpected motor activation upon power connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-powered cordless design is implemented, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but the risk of unexpected motor activation when power is connected increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary mechanical engagement action where the beater shaft must be inserted into and engaged with the drive shaft before the motor can be activated. This preliminary mechanical coupling ensures that the motor is only powered when the mixing attachment is properly in place, preventing unexpected activation during battery insertion or docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical coupling system between the battery power source and the motor. The drive shaft and beater shaft engagement mechanism acts as an intermediary that must be activated first, creating a mechanical intermediary state that prevents direct power transmission until proper engagement occurs.
2Ease of manufacture
If a removable battery pack design is used, then ease of maintenance and power management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distinct modular components: a removable battery pack, a battery receptacle with docking mechanism, and a motor assembly. This segmentation allows the battery to be independently removed, replaced, or recharged without affecting other components, simplifying maintenance while the standardized docking interface manages the complexity of power connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery receptacle incorporates self-aligning and self-latching mechanisms that automatically engage the battery pack when inserted. The mechanical coupling system automatically detects proper beater shaft engagement and enables motor power transmission without user intervention, allowing the device to self-regulate power management based on component presence.
3Reliability
If a mechanical coupling system is implemented to prevent accidental activation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical coupling function with the power transmission function into a single integrated drive shaft-beater shaft engagement system. The same mechanical components that transmit motor power to the beater also serve as the safety interlock, eliminating the need for separate safety mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft and beater shaft engagement mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits mechanical power from the motor to the beater, provides the safety interlock to prevent accidental activation, and enables the mechanical coupling required for cordless operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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
Enables cordless operation with balanced ergonomics and safe power management, allowing the mixer to be used anywhere without an external power source and preventing accidental motor activation.
Implementation Method 1
A battery-powered hand-held mixer design featuring a battery receptacle that moves between docked and undocked conditions, with a motor powered by a 12-volt battery pack
Implementation Method 2
A motor is positioned within at least one of the housing and the pillar. A first beater hub removably receives a first beater having a beater head and a shaft coupled to the beater head. The first beater hub is operably engaged with the motor such that, in an engaged condition of the first beater, operation of the motor drives rotation of the first beater
Implementation Method 3
A gearbox system that enables the beater to rotate via a drive shaft axis
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held mixer includes a housing, a pillar coupled to the housing at a pillar proximal end and extending to a pillar distal end, a motor within at least one of the housing and the pillar, a first beater hub removably receiving a first beater, and a battery receptacle at the pillar distal end. The battery receptacle receives a battery pack with a battery for powering the motor such that the battery pack is operable between a docked condition and an undocked condition. In the docked condition, the battery pack is engaged with the battery receptacle to provide power to the motor. In an undocked condition, the battery pack is disengaged from the battery receptacle. The battery pack moves along a battery pack axis that is substantially perpendicular to a first beater axis of rotation from the undocked condition to the docked condition.