Single Motor Lid and Tank Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation appliances are complex, bulky, and expensive due to robust frames and complex locking mechanisms, which limit ergonomics and safety, especially when handling hot food, and often require manual locking of the tank.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation appliance with a simple structure that uses a single geared motor to control both the lid and tank locking mechanisms through a connecting device, such as a bevel gear, cam, or rack and pinion, allowing for secure and ergonomic operation without the need for additional motors or user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust frame and complex locking mechanisms are used to secure the lid and tank, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking mechanisms (lid locking and tank locking) into a single integrated system controlled by one geared motor. The geared motor simultaneously actuates both locking mechanisms through a unified control system, reducing the number of independent components while maintaining the safety function of securing both the lid and tank during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single geared motor serves multiple functions: it controls both the lid locking mechanism and the tank locking mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate motors for each locking mechanism, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring comprehensive security during food preparation, especially when handling hot food.
2Reliability
If multiple separate motors are used to control lid and tank locking mechanisms, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of two separate motors into a single geared motor that simultaneously controls both the lid locking mechanism and the tank locking mechanism. This unified motor system reduces component count and complexity while maintaining reliable locking through coordinated actuation of both mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connecting device as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the single geared motor to both locking mechanisms. This intermediary system enables one motor to effectively control multiple locking functions through mechanical transmission, eliminating the need for multiple independent motors.
3Reliability
If manual locking mechanisms are added to secure the tank to the housing, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system operates automatically through the geared motor without requiring manual intervention from the user. The motor-driven mechanism autonomously secures both the lid and tank during operation, and releases them when the operation is complete, eliminating the need for manual locking while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated geared motor system. The motor provides the necessary mechanical force to secure and release the locking mechanisms, substituting human effort with automated actuation while ensuring consistent and reliable locking during food preparation.
4Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms with multiple components are used, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated system with one geared motor controlling both lid and tank locking. This merger reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying production while maintaining comprehensive locking security through the coordinated operation of the unified system.
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 compact, safe, and user-friendly appliance that securely locks the lid and tank with a single motor, enhancing ergonomics and reducing complexity and cost while ensuring safety during food preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a geared motor arranged to move the first locking member along the first direction of movement between the position of the lid not secured and the position of the lid secured
Data Source
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AI summary
A food preparation appliance comprising: - a housing (40), - a bowl (10), - a lid (20) mounted removably in a closed position, in which the food preparation appliance includes locking means with: - a first locking member movable in a first direction of movement, between a non-locking position of the lid (20), and a locking position of the lid (20), - a geared motor (51) arranged to move the first locking member, characterized: - in that the locking means include a second locking member (58) movable in a second direction of movement, between a non-locking position of the bowl (10) and a locking position of the bowl (10), - and in that the geared motor (51) is arranged to move the second locking member (58).