Spring-Loaded Detachable Lid for Food Processor Ease of Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing devices lack ease of use, functionality, and ergonomics, particularly in terms of lid operation and containment of drippings.

Innovation Solution

A food processor with a detachable, spring-loaded lid that is pivotally connected via a spring-loaded hinge, allowing easy opening and closing with a manual latch for secure closure, and featuring a circumferential lip to prevent drippings from spilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is fixed to the work bowl, then the lid remains stable during operation, but the lid cannot be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid removal and attachmentVSAvoidlid stability during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with a spring-loaded hinge mechanism that allows it to dynamically transition between open and closed positions. The spring provides automatic return to closed position while the feed tube maintains attachment during processing, enabling easy removal when needed while ensuring stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lid assembly is segmented into detachable components including the lid body, feed tube, and spring-loaded hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows the lid to be easily separated from the work bowl for cleaning while maintaining functional integrity during operation through the reattachable hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lid is spring-loaded to automatically open, then the lid is easy to open, but the lid may accidentally open during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid openingVSAvoidlid closure security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically open the lid after processing, eliminating the need for manual opening. The latch mechanism is pre-positioned to automatically secure the lid when closed, preventing accidental opening during operation while maintaining easy opening capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring force and latch engagement parameters are optimized to provide sufficient holding force during operation while requiring minimal force to trigger automatic opening. The latch mechanism transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on processing completion, balancing security and ease of opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the lid includes a latch mechanism for secure closure, then the lid remains securely closed during operation, but the lid operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid closure securityVSAvoidlid mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is merged with the spring-loaded hinge assembly, combining the closing force and latching function into a single integrated mechanism. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure closure, as the spring provides both the opening force and the energy to engage the latch automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on lid position and processing state, requiring no manual operation. The spring-loaded system self-regulates the latching action, providing secure closure during operation while eliminating the need for complex manual latching controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the lid is designed with a circumferential lip to prevent drippings, then spillage is reduced, but the lid structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedripping and spillageVSAvoidlid structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circumferential lip is integrated as a thin, flexible rim structure around the lid perimeter that effectively contains drippings without requiring substantial additional material or complex multi-component construction. The lip flexes with lid movement while maintaining its spill-prevention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential anti-drip lip is merged into the lid body structure itself rather than being a separate attachment component. This integration adds minimal structural complexity while providing effective spill containment throughout lid operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances user experience by simplifying lid operation, reducing spills, and improving ergonomics through easy cleaning and secure closure, while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The lid is pivotally connected to a work bowl via a spring-loaded hinge that biases the lid to an open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10448787B2Food processor having detachable spring-loaded lid

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 CONAIR CORP

AI summary

A food processor having a detachable, spring-loaded lid is provided. The lid is pivotally connected to a work bowl via a spring-loaded hinge that biases the lid to an open position. A manually operable latch on the lid opposite the hinge allows a user to close the lid and lock the lid to the work bowl.