Multi-Cook Appliance with Integrated Heating and Interlock Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current food processing appliances lack a comprehensive solution for multi-cook functionality, efficient heating, and mixing, often requiring separate devices for different cooking tasks and lacking integrated control systems for seamless operation.

Innovation Solution

A cooking and processing appliance with a container and lid system that includes a stirring mechanism, heating structure, and interlock system, allowing for multiple processing attachments and integrated control for heating and mixing functions, enabling versatile food preparation within a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate food processing devices are used for different cooking tasks, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple food processing functions (heating, stirring, mixing, blending) into a single integrated appliance. The base unit houses a heating element and motor, while the removable container can be equipped with different processing attachments (blade, whisk, dough hook) to perform various cooking tasks, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The appliance employs a universal container design that can accommodate multiple types of processing attachments. The container serves multiple purposes: it can be used for heating alone, or combined with different attachments for stirring, mixing, blending, or dough preparation, making the system adaptable to various cooking needs through a single multi-functional unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a heating structure is integrated within the container wall, then heating efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into modular components. The heating element is integrated into the base unit as a separate module, while the container wall contains a recess or channel that receives the heating structure. This segmentation allows the heating component to be manufactured separately and then assembled into the final product, improving heating efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If an interlock system is implemented to control heating and mixing activation, then safety and operational reliability improve, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock system operates automatically based on the presence and position of the container. When the container is properly placed on the base, electrical contacts are made that automatically enable the heating function. Similarly, when the lid is closed, the mixing function is automatically enabled. This self-service interlocking mechanism provides reliable operational control without requiring complex manual control systems or additional user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The appliance provides a versatile platform for various cooking tasks, including heating, stirring, and mixing, enhancing food preparation efficiency and convenience by integrating multiple functions into a single unit.

Implementation Method 1

A heating structure is disposed within the housing and a wall of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A heating structure is disposed within the housing and a wall of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10993583B2Multi-cook and food processing prep product

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A cooking and processing appliance includes a container having a lid and a stirring mechanism for rotating at least one processing attachment of a plurality of processing attachments, a housing having a receptacle for receiving the container and having a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism, a heating structure disposed within the housing and a wall of the container, a heating activation system included within the housing and the container, wherein the heating structure defines a heating-active state when the container is received within the receptacle, a mixing activation system, wherein the motor defines a mixing active state when the container is received within the receptacle and the lid is in a closed position and a control in communication with the heating structure and the stirring mechanism.