Container for a kitchen appliance and method for operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food processors lack efficient mechanisms for automated and timed addition of ingredients during the cooking process, leading to suboptimal handling and preparation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A food processor design featuring stackable top containers with electromechanically actuated closure means that can be controlled to open and fill ingredients into a preparation vessel at predetermined times, utilizing temperature control and communication interfaces for synchronized ingredient addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple attachment containers are arranged one above the other on the preparation vessel, then ingredient storage capacity and automated timed addition capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple closure means and interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The ingredient storage system is segmented into multiple attachment containers (first, second, third containers) that can be arranged vertically one above the other. Each container has its own closure means (13) that can be independently actuated, allowing separate timed release of different ingredients into the preparation vessel without requiring a single complex multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
Ingredients are pre-loaded into the attachment containers before the cooking process begins. The closure means are designed to be held in a closed position during storage and transport, then automatically opened at predetermined times during cooking. This preliminary preparation enables automated timed addition without manual intervention during the cooking process.
2Ease of operation
If closure means are made movable relative to the attachment container to enable opening and filling, then ease of operation for timed ingredient release is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential malfunction of moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The closure means (13) are designed to be actuated automatically by the food processor system without requiring manual operation. The electromechanical drive means (25) receive actuation signals from the control device (26) and automatically open the closure means at predetermined times, enabling the system to serve itself by timing and releasing ingredients without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device (26) manages the actuation of closure means based on predetermined timing sequences. The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device monitors and coordinates the opening of each closure means (13) at the appropriate time, ensuring reliable automated operation by synchronizing multiple moving parts through centralized control.
3Reliability
If temperature control means are integrated into the attachment container, then food safety and ingredient freshness are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature control means (11) are integrated locally into specific attachment containers (3, 4, 5) that require temperature management for food safety or ingredient freshness. Not all containers have temperature control - only those where it is necessary for the specific ingredient type. This localized approach provides temperature management where needed while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to a system-wide temperature control solution.
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
Enables automatic and timed preparation of dishes, allowing for efficient cooking processes with perishable foods stored for longer periods and precise control over ingredient addition, enhancing cooking efficiency and food handling.
Implementation Method 1
The side wall can be temperature-controlled by means of temperature control means. Temperature control means are arranged, in particular, in the cavity. The temperature control means can be cooling elements that cool the ingredients stored in the add-on container.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment container (3, 4, 5) for mounting on a preparation vessel (2) of a food processor (1), wherein a bottom opening (12) of the attachment container (3, 4, 5) is located vertically above an upper opening (7) of the preparation vessel (2). Closing means (13) are provided which, in a closed position, close the bottom opening (12) and which can be moved into an open position for filling the preparation vessel (2) with ingredients (23, 24) stored in the attachment container (3, 4, 5). With a food processor that has one or more such attachment containers (3, 4, 5), it is possible to automatically prepare a dish with highly perishable foods.