Actuatable Suction Cup Structure for Dual-Use Oven Mitt Trivets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen accessories, such as oven mitts and trivets, often require separate products, which can be cumbersome and space-consuming when used together for handling hot pots or pans.
Innovation Solution
A selectively actuatable suction cup construction that can be incorporated into a single kitchen accessory, allowing it to function as both a trivet and an oven mitt by switching between actuated and inactive modes, where the suction cups secure the accessory to a surface in trivet mode but are rendered inoperable when a hand is inserted for oven mitt use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single kitchen accessory incorporates traditional suction cups for trivet mode, then the accessory can be secured to surfaces, but the suction cups will cause unwanted adhesion when used as an oven mitt
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup's adhesion state is made dynamic and controllable through a valve mechanism. The valve can be in an open state during oven mitt use to allow air ingress and prevent adhesion, and in a closed state during trivet mode to maintain vacuum and enable adhesion. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between needing adhesion for trivet function and preventing adhesion for oven mitt function.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve acts as an intermediary element between the suction cup's interior cavity and the external atmosphere. This intermediary controls the flow of air into the cavity, enabling selective activation or deactivation of the suction cup's adhesion capability. The valve mediates between the two opposing requirements by controlling atmospheric pressure equalization.
2Reliability
If separate trivet and oven mitt accessories are used, then each accessory can be optimized for its specific function, but the user must manage multiple accessories which is cumbersome and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of a trivet and an oven mitt into a single integrated accessory. The body incorporates both the heat-resistant materials and structural features needed for oven mitt protection, while also integrating suction cups with valve control for trivet functionality. This consolidation eliminates the need to manage separate accessories while maintaining the reliability of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single accessory is designed with universal functionality to perform both as a trivet and as an oven mitt. The body provides hand protection and heat resistance for oven mitt use, while the integrated suction cup system with controllable valves enables surface adhesion for trivet use. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between functional optimization and device complexity.
3Force
If the suction cup cavity remains sealed to maintain adhesion, then the suction cup adheres strongly to the surface, but air cannot be introduced to release the adhesion when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user through simple manual operation, such as pressing a button or moving a lever. This self-service mechanism allows the user to control the adhesion state without external assistance or complex systems. The valve automatically maintains sealing when closed for strong adhesion and opens easily when the user activates it to release adhesion by allowing air ingress.
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
This design eliminates the need for separate trivets and oven mitts, providing a versatile and space-efficient solution for handling hot objects while preventing unwanted adhesion when used as an oven mitt.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup is an object that uses the negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to nonporous surfaces, creating a partial vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The cavity which develops between the cup and the flat surface has little to no air or water in it because most of the fluid has already been forced out of the inside of the cup, causing a lack of pressure
Implementation Method 3
The working face of the suction cup is made of elastic, flexible material and has a curved surface. When the center of the suction cup is pressed against a flat, non-porous surface, the volume of the space between the suction cup and the flat surface is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively actuatable suction cup construction is configured to be incorporated into an article, such as a kitchen accessory (e.g., a combined trivet and oven mitt product) or other product and is configured such that it can be placed in either an “actuated mode” or an “inactive mode”.