Mixing Tool Lock with Bottom-Access Release for Stand Mixer Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances with mixing tools face challenges in securely releasing and assembling the mixing tool from the container without risking damage or injury, particularly during cleaning, due to awkward handling and potential dropping of components.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a tool holder and releasing mechanism that allows secure gripping and handling of the mixing tool, featuring a mechanical or electromechanical component that enables axial force application for easy removal and reinsertion, combined with a counter support for secure attachment and sealing, facilitating intuitive operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mixing tool is securely locked to the container during operation, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of separation for cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. During operation, the mixing tool is securely locked to the container. For cleaning, the mechanism can be easily unlocked and separated, providing dynamic adaptability between different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged during operation and easily disengaged during cleaning without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The system serves itself by maintaining secure connection when needed and allowing easy separation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the counter support is removed from the container for cleaning, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the risk of dropping and damage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder serves as an intermediary component that can be removed from the container while keeping the mixing tool secured within it. This allows the tool holder and container to be separated for cleaning without the mixing tool being exposed to dropping risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct components: container, tool holder, and mixing tool. This segmentation allows selective removal and cleaning of individual components without risking damage to others, particularly protecting the mixing tool from dropping.
3Device complexity
If the mixing tool is inserted through the bottom opening of the container, then the assembly is simplified, but the positioning accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder acts as an intermediary component that guides the mixing tool during insertion through the bottom opening. This intermediary structure simplifies the assembly process while ensuring accurate positioning of the mixing tool within the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is prepared in advance with appropriate guiding features and positioning elements that ensure accurate placement of the mixing tool during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the tool holder enables both simple assembly and precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing tool lock fixes a mixing tool in a container of a kitchen appliance, such as a stand mixer for kneading, mixing or grinding ingredients. The locking device includes a tool holder in which the mixing tool is rotatably mounted, and a fixing device for the tool holder. The tool holder also has a releasing device for releasing the mixing tool from the container. The locking device can be attached to the lower outside of a container having a bottom opening on the lower outside. The size of the opening corresponds at least to the diameter of the casing of the mixing tool so that the tool-side components of the mixing tool can be passed completely through the bottom opening from the outside. A kitchen appliance includes a drive, a housing that accommodates the drive, at least one mixing tool, and a container having the locking device.