Modular appliance apparatus configured for multiple attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen appliances are designed for single-use purposes, leading to a high number of purchases, wasted space, and complexity in selecting appropriate speeds for different tasks, which can result in user safety issues and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular appliance apparatus with electrical contact points that allow attachment to various devices, featuring internal circuitry to automatically select optimal speeds based on the connected attachment, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single appliance is designed to perform multiple functions, then the number of devices needed is reduced and space is saved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The appliance handle is designed as a universal platform that can accept multiple different attachments (food processor attachment, blender attachment, whisk attachment, etc.), allowing a single base unit to perform multiple kitchen functions through attachment interchangeability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The appliance is divided into a permanent handle component and removable attachment components. The handle contains the motor and control systems, while attachments are separate modules that can be detached and replaced, simplifying the design of each individual component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the appliance operates at variable speeds to accommodate different tasks, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to user difficulty in selecting appropriate speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed adaptabilityVSAvoidspeed selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically detects which attachment is installed and autonomously selects the appropriate speed settings without requiring user input. The system self-adjusts operational parameters based on the attached component, eliminating the need for manual speed selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses electrical contact points and circuitry to detect the presence and type of attachment, then uses this feedback information to automatically configure the motor speed and operational parameters appropriate for that specific attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual speed selection is required, then device complexity is reduced, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of incorrect speed selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically determines the correct speed settings based on the detected attachment type, eliminating manual speed selection and preventing users from choosing incorrect speeds that could cause safety hazards or damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Electrical contacts in the attachment interface provide feedback to the control system about which attachment is installed, enabling automatic configuration of safe and appropriate operational parameters for that specific attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If electrical contact points are added for automatic speed selection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic speed selectionVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical contact points serve multiple functions: they provide power to the attachment, detect the attachment type, and communicate operational parameters, consolidating multiple functions into a single interface mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contacts act as an intermediary between the user, the control system, and the attachment, automatically transmitting information about attachment type to the control system without requiring direct user input or complex programming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11590467B2Modular appliance apparatus configured for multiple attachments

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 COLUMBIA INSURANCE CO

AI summary

A modular appliance apparatus is disclosed for use in the preparation of food products. The modular appliance apparatus may have a housing to contain internal components. The housing may contain a motor, a controller, and electronic circuitry. On a bottom portion of the housing, at least one base contact may be present. An attachment may secure to the bottom portion of the housing and contain at least one attachment contact. An electronic connection between the at least one base contact and at least one attachment contact may be interpreted by the controller to determine a speed of operation by the motor. Depending on the type of attachment secured to the housing, various different combinations of electronic connections may be made to operate the motor at different speeds to meet the requirements for food preparation by the specific attachment.