Kitchen appliance, food processor and safety interlock arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Kitchen appliances with rotating drives and interchangeable tools face limitations in multi-step food processing, requiring tool changes and unsuitable tools for operations like slicing or grating, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional appliances.

Innovation Solution

A kitchen appliance with a food processor that can rotate between indexed positions, featuring a ratchet mechanism and bayonet coupling for secure mounting, allowing for continuous processing without tool changes and integrating separate drive systems for the food processor and bowl, enabling simultaneous processing and output of ingredients into the bowl or external containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single bowl and rotating drive are used, then the appliance structure is simple, but the functionality is limited and requires stopping processing to change tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood processing functionalityVSAvoidappliance structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The appliance is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with drive mechanism, a removable food processor attachment, and a bowl. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the food processor to be detached and replaced with other attachments, expanding functionality without permanently complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit with its drive mechanism serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different attachments including the food processor, mixing bowls, and other processing tools. This multi-functionality approach allows one base unit to replace several single-purpose appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If different tools are required for different processing steps, then specific processing functions can be achieved, but processing must be stopped to change tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtool change time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The food processor attachment includes multiple processing elements (slicing blades, grating surfaces, etc.) that can operate sequentially without removing the attachment from the base unit. The drive shaft continuously rotates through all elements, enabling continuous processing and eliminating downtime associated with changing tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple processing functions (slicing, grating, chopping) are merged into a single food processor attachment that remains mounted on the base unit throughout operation. This consolidation allows one attachment to perform multiple processing steps that previously required separate tools and interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the food processor is detachably mounted, then storage is improved, but accidental detachment during use may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a secure locked position during operation where the food processor is firmly attached to the base unit, and a released position for easy removal during storage or cleaning. This dynamic system provides both secure mounting and ease of operation as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bayonet coupling arrangement with indexing features provides self-aligning and self-locking functionality. When the food processor is inserted, the indexing protrusions automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the base unit, securing the attachment without requiring additional fastening actions from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate power supply and motor are added to the food processor, then processing capability is enhanced, but size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidfood processor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply and motor functions are extracted from the food processor attachment and relocated to the base unit. This allows the food processor to remain compact and lightweight while still providing enhanced processing capability through the shared drive mechanism and power source in the base unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3419486B1Kitchen appliance, food processor and safety interlock arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 KENWOOD LTD

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AI summary

A kitchen appliance (1), comprising: a base unit (100); and a food processor (500) having an outlet (416) for outputting processed food; wherein the food processor (500) is arranged to be mounted on the base unit (100) for operation such that it is capable of movement between two operating positions, whereby the outlet (416) is positionable at two different places.