Cooking Appliance Receptacle Locking With Elastic Turn Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for containers in household food preparation appliances are either expensive, aesthetically challenging, or require complex production processes, and often complicate the installation due to small and hidden tenons or shape constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device with elastic deformation locking means that allows axial immobilization and unlocking of the container by turning, featuring a locking tongue with a pyramidal locking head that deforms elastically to secure the container in place and can be easily released with a predetermined force, integrated with guide ramps and a stop to facilitate ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet fixing device with tenons and indentations is used, then the container is securely immobilized on the base, but the user must locate and align small hidden tenons which complicates the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual marking (analogous to color changes) by providing a reference indication on the base that is visible to the user. This marking guides the user to the correct position for aligning the tenons with indentations, eliminating the need to search for hidden tenons while maintaining secure immobilization through the bayonet fixing mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a connecting arm with notch is used for fixing, then the container can be easily engaged, but the notch is difficult to integrate aesthetically and constraints the handle shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the notching requirement from the base by using a different fixing mechanism. Instead of cutting a notch into the base (which would compromise aesthetics and handle design freedom), the solution uses tenons that engage with indentations or a locking mechanism that operates without modifying the base structure, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling easy engagement.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing devices are used, then secure locking is achieved, but the production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into separate components: tenons on one part and corresponding indentations or locking surfaces on the other. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining secure locking through the distributed engagement points.
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 solution provides a simple, economical, and ergonomic method for securing and releasing the container, ensuring easy installation and removal while maintaining aesthetic appeal and avoiding production complexities.
Implementation Method 1
locking means with elastic deformation ensuring locking of the removable element on the support
Implementation Method 2
the locking means are designed to deform elastically and allow the unlocking of the removable element when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The device has locking units e.g. locking tab (6) and locking head (7), assuring locking of a removable element i.e. receptacle (2), on a support along immobilization direction. The locking units are elastically deformed, and allow unlocking of the element when effort greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted on the element in unlocking direction that is not parallel to the immobilization direction. The support comprises a stop cooperating with the element to prohibit rotation of the element in direction opposite to the unlocking direction when the element is in a working position. An independent claim is also included for a household cooking appliance comprising a working tool driven by a motor.