Slush Machine Knob Locking Mechanism for Stable Sealed Container Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms for slush machines are inconvenient to operate, requiring significant manual effort or skill, especially for users with limited physical strength, and can lead to misoperation and reduced machine lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A knob locking mechanism with rotatable knobs and limiting members that engage through a U-shaped recess and limiting assembly, allowing easy rotation for secure attachment and detachment of the loading container, featuring a synchronizing shaft for synchronized knob operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw fastening is used to fix the loading container, then the connection stability is improved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: knobs, limiting members with limiting columns, and limiting recesses with arms. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve stable connection through distributed engagement points rather than relying on multiple screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using active fastening elements like screws that require rotation and tightening, the invention uses passive limiting columns that automatically engage with limiting recesses when the container is inserted. The locking action is inverted from active tightening to passive engagement through rotational movement of knobs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If snap-fit fastening is used to attach the loading container, then the operation speed is improved, but the required manual effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidmanual effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting arms are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to flex and adapt during the engagement process. The arms can deform to accommodate the limiting columns during insertion, reducing the peak force required, and then maintain rigid engagement during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting columns act as intermediaries between the container and the limiting arms. They facilitate the engagement process by providing a guided path for insertion and distributing the engagement forces, reducing the manual effort needed compared to direct snap-fit engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple screws are used for fastening, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the assembly time and skill requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple limiting arms and columns are merged into a coordinated system where two knobs control both sides of the container simultaneously. The limiting members work together in pairs, allowing synchronized engagement that achieves reliable fixation in a single rotational motion rather than multiple separate screw tightening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If snap-fit latching is used for fastening, then the operation simplicity is improved, but the interface fit difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidinterface fit precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting columns and recesses are designed with specific local geometric features that guide the engagement process. The columns have precise dimensions and orientations that match corresponding recesses, creating localized high-precision engagement points that ensure proper alignment and sealing without requiring overall interface precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260055787A1Knob locking mechanism for slush machine, and slush machine

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 GUANGDONG INVITOP TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A knob locking mechanism for a slush machine, and a slush machine are disclosed. The knob locking mechanism includes knobs and a plurality of limiting members. When assembling a loading container, a user aligns the loading container with the mounting position on the slush machine body and easily inserts the loading container, and by rotating the knobs provided on both sides of the slush machine body, the knobs drive the second limiting members to rotate until the second limiting members and the first limiting members are tightly engaged, thereby achieving the locking between the loading container and the slush machine body. The precise engagement between the limiting members enables the knob locking mechanism to ensure the stability and sealing performance of the loading container with low manual effort.