Preparation module and lid for a preparation module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances with preparation vessels experience lid tilting during locking, particularly in automatic modes, leading to user discomfort and increased error susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
A preparation module with a support unit that prevents rotation of the lid about a rotation axis and allows only axial movement, ensuring secure locking and unlocking through a support element and support counter-element interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the lid is allowed to rotate freely during locking, then the locking mechanism can operate automatically, but the lid tilts and causes user discomfort and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is pre-positioned on the preparation vessel to guide the lid into the correct orientation before the locking operation begins. This preliminary positioning prevents tilting during automatic locking, resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit acts as an intermediary element between the lid and the preparation vessel. It mediates the locking process by providing guidance and support, ensuring the lid remains properly oriented during automatic locking operations.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is constrained to prevent rotation, then tilting is prevented and user comfort improves, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid locking mechanism is segmented into independent functional elements: the support unit for orientation guidance and the locking element for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without increasing overall complexity, maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of constraining the lid through complex mechanical linkages, the solution inverts the approach by using a simple support unit that passively guides the lid into the correct position through its geometry, allowing the lid to self-align without complex constraints.
3Strength
If the lid locking element is connected to the lid for bayonet closure, then secure locking is achieved, but the lid tilts during the locking process
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit provides preliminary stabilization of the lid before the bayonet locking action occurs. By pre-positioning the lid in the correct orientation and preventing rotation, the support unit ensures that the subsequent locking operation maintains lid stability while achieving secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit addresses the stability issue by introducing a new dimension of control - axial guidance along the rotation axis. This dimensional addition prevents radial tilting movements while allowing the bayonet locking to proceed, simultaneously achieving both locking strength and lid stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A preparation module for arrangement in a receiving area of a kitchen appliance base of a kitchen appliance, with at least one preparation vessel, at least one lid and at least one lid locking element, wherein the preparation vessel has at least one preparation chamber for receiving food, and wherein the lid locking element is rotatable about a rotation axis R at least between a lid release position and a lid locking position. The preparation module has at least one support unit. The support unit prevents rotation of the lid about the rotation axis R and permits at least axial movement of the lid in a direction parallel to the rotation axis R when the lid is applied to the preparation vessel.