Stand Mixer Load Cell Locating Features for Accurate Weight Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stand mixers face difficulties in precise assembly and accurate placement of weight sensors, leading to false errors and inaccurate readings due to susceptibility of weight sensors to contact with the base.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a casing with a base and column featuring a pair of tabs and a pin that form a horizontal channel to precisely locate and secure a load cell, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing contact with the base, thus enhancing stability and measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If weight sensors are mounted in the base of the stand mixer, then weight and movement monitoring functions are enabled, but the sensors are susceptible to contact with the base causing false errors and inaccurate readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of weight sensor readingsVSAvoidcontact between sensor and base

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the horizontal channel formed by tabs and pin) that positions the load cell between the foot assembly and the base, preventing direct contact between the sensor and the base while still enabling the sensor to accurately measure forces transmitted through the foot assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the foot assembly mounting area, the horizontal channel for load cell placement, and the main base body. This segmentation allows the load cell to be isolated in a dedicated space that prevents contact with the base while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If weight sensors are installed in the base, then load monitoring capability is provided, but assembly and accurate placement of the sensors becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload monitoring capabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty of weight sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal channel is pre-formed in the base structure during manufacturing, with tabs and pin positioned to automatically guide and locate the load cell. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and ensures accurate sensor placement without requiring difficult precision assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal channel acts as a mediator that simplifies assembly by providing a pre-defined pathway and positioning mechanism for the load cell, allowing workers to simply insert the sensor into the channel rather than performing complex alignment and mounting procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240090704A1Kitchen appliance including locating features for foot assemblies

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A kitchen appliance includes a casing including a base and a column extending from the base along the vertical direction, the casing defining an interior surface directed toward an interior cavity and an exterior surface directed away from the interior cavity, a pair of tabs protruding from the interior surface of the casing along the vertical direction toward the interior cavity of the casing, the pair of tabs being spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction to define a horizontal channel for receiving a load cell therein, and a pin protruding from the interior surface of the casing along the vertical direction toward the interior cavity of the casing, the pin being spaced apart from the pair of tabs along the transverse direction and disposed along the horizontal channel.