Mixing Tool Lock With Release Handle for Safe Bottom Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances with mixing tools face challenges in easy removal and fitting of the mixing tool from the container, often resulting in accidental drops and potential damage or injury, due to cumbersome unlocking and positioning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a tool holder that includes a rotatable and foldable handle for secure grip and handling, allowing axial forces to be applied for removal, and featuring a combined fixing and removal mechanism that prevents accidental drops and simplifies the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mixing tool is inserted through the bottom opening and the counter-holder is positioned on the bottom side, then the mixing tool can be connected to the container, but the unlocked counter-holder can easily be dropped and the mixing tool can fall into the container causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a handle that extends from the container wall before the mixing tool assembly is complete. This handle allows the user to securely hold and control the assembly during the entire assembly process, preventing accidental drops before the locking mechanism is engaged. The handle is positioned to enable secure gripping prior to final assembly completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the mixing tool assembly. Instead of directly manipulating the small, potentially slippery components of the assembly, the user grasps the handle which provides a secure interface for control and positioning during assembly operations.
2Reliability
If the mixing tool and container are connected via a common housing with a locking mechanism, then the mixing tool remains securely connected during use, but the separation and assembly process becomes cumbersome requiring precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The handle serves as a mediating element that simplifies the assembly and disassembly operations. By providing a dedicated gripping interface, it eliminates the need for precise positioning of multiple components during assembly. The user simply needs to hold the handle and guide the mixing tool into place, rather than manipulating small fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the container structure. This separation allows it to specialize in providing a secure gripping interface without interfering with the locking mechanism's security function. The handle can be positioned optimally for user access while the locking mechanism maintains connection security.
3Volume of moving object
If the counter-holder covers the mixing tool drive side during assembly, then the structure is compact, but precise positioning becomes difficult and the assembly process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The handle provides an external interface that bypasses the spatial constraints created by the compact counter-holder design. Users can apply force and control positioning through the handle without needing direct access to the drive side components. This mediates the conflict between compact internal structure and ease of external manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the field of kitchen appliances for kneading, mixing or grinding ingredients. More specifically, the invention relates to a mixing tool lock for a kitchen appliance such as, in particular, a stand mixer. The claimed locking device (1) for fixing a mixing tool (3) in a container (2) of a kitchen appliance comprises a tool holder (4) in which the mixing tool (3) is rotatably mounted, and a fixing means (8) of the tool holder (4). The invention is characterised in that the tool holder (4) also has a releasing means (9) for releasing the mixing tool (3) from the container (2). The claimed locking device (1) can be attached to the lower outer side of a container (2) comprising the claimed locking device. The container is characterised in that it has a bottom opening (7) on the lower outer side of the container, the size of which opening corresponds at least to the diameter of the casing of the mixing tool such that the tool-side components of the mixing tool (3) can be passed completely through the bottom opening (7) from the outside. A kitchen appliance comprises a drive, a housing that accommodates the drive, at least one mixing tool (3), and a container (2) comprising a claimed locking device (1).