Single-Direction Actuator for Secure Food Processor Lid Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processors lack a secure and user-friendly mechanism for locking the lid to the container, which can lead to accidental spills and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A lid for a food processing system featuring a locking assembly with an actuator that moves between unlocked and locked positions in response to applied forces, utilizing a mechanism that includes a spring bias and a lock operably coupled to the actuator, allowing for secure engagement with the container and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking assembly is added to secure the lid to the container, then spill prevention and operational security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and unlocking functions into a single actuator mechanism. The actuator simultaneously controls the lock engagement and disengagement through a unified mechanical linkage system, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it engages the lock, disengages the lock, and provides user feedback through tactile feedback during operation. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while achieving reliable lid security.
2Reliability
If a spring-biased locking assembly is used to ensure secure locking, then locking reliability is improved, but the force required to operate the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly uses a spring-biased dynamic mechanism that automatically engages the lock when the actuator is released. The spring provides continuous locking force to maintain reliability, while the actuator only needs to overcome the spring force temporarily during actuation, not continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator operates in periodic cycles: applying force to disengage the spring bias, allowing lock release, then releasing the actuator to allow spring re-engagement. This periodic action reduces the total force requirement compared to continuous force application.
3Reliability
If the actuator moves along a first axis and the lock moves along a second perpendicular axis, then locking effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested mechanical linkage where the lock movement along the second axis is achieved through a linkage connected to the actuator's first axis movement. The mechanisms are nested within each other, with the lock mechanism contained within the actuator housing, reducing overall complexity while achieving effective multi-axis locking.
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 secure and easy-to-use locking mechanism that prevents spills during processing and enhances user experience by requiring minimal activation force and intuitive operation, ensuring the lid is securely locked and unlocked.
Implementation Method 1
said locking assembly is spring biased towards said unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A lid of a food processing system selectively receivable by a container of the food processing system includes a lid body defining a cavity within the lid body, a locking assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity and an actuator associated the said lid body and the locking assembly. The locking assembly is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to application of a first force applied to the actuator. The locking assembly is movable from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to application of a second force applied to said actuator, the first force and said second force being applied in a same direction.