Radially Movable Engagement Connector for Food Processor Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processor connection systems rely on a single connection mechanism, leading to safety issues due to potential misattachment of processing devices or covers, and require complex, costly, and wear-prone mechanisms for different types of attachments.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with radially movable engagement elements and restoring elements, allowing for different connection mechanisms to be used for various attachments, featuring a simple structure and cost-effective production, with engagement elements that can snap into complementary anchoring elements for secure yet detachable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single connection mechanism is used for all attachments, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but safety is compromised due to potential misattachment of processing devices or covers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidconnection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device employs a universal connection mechanism with radially movable engagement elements that can accommodate multiple types of attachments (processing devices and covers) through a single standardized interface. The engagement elements can radially displace to engage with different anchoring element configurations, enabling one connection mechanism to serve multiple functions while maintaining safety through proper engagement verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If different connection mechanisms are provided for different processing devices or covers, then safety is improved by preventing misattachment, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manufacturing separate connection mechanisms for different attachments, the patent implements a universal connecting device with engagement elements that can adapt to various attachment types. This single standardized interface reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining safety through the radial displacement mechanism that ensures proper engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the radial direction, where engagement elements can displace radially to engage with different anchoring element configurations. This allows the same basic mechanism to accommodate multiple attachment types by changing its engagement state rather than requiring different mechanisms for each attachment type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If different connection mechanisms are provided for different processing devices or covers, then misattachment is prevented, but maintenance cost and wear susceptibility increase due to complicated construction

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The universal connecting device with radially movable engagement elements eliminates the need for multiple specialized connection mechanisms. This simplification reduces wear susceptibility and maintenance costs while maintaining safety through the standardized engagement verification mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single connecting device structure. By combining the ability to engage different attachment types into one unified mechanism with radial displacement capability, the system reduces the number of separate components that would otherwise require individual maintenance and repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables a cost-effective, secure, and robust connection system with multiple mechanisms for different attachments, enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs by allowing easy attachment and detachment of processing devices and covers.

Implementation Method 1

by at least one return element (10) is displaceable radially outwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3287054B1Connecting device for coupling an attachment to a food processor
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3287054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3287054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3287054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for coupling an attachment device (15, 20) to a food processor (25), having at least one engagement element (5) which is mounted in the connecting device (1) so that it can move in the radial direction, and at least one Restoring element (10) can be displaced radially outwards, the engagement element (5) protruding radially at least partially in a restoring position relative to a contour of the connecting device (1). This creates a cost-effective, flexible, safe and robust connection with a simplified construction between an attachment device (15, 20) and a food processor (25), with attachment devices (15, 20) with varying functions such as a processing device (20 ) or a cover element (15), different connection mechanisms can be used.