Transformable Avocado Scoop and Slicer for Space-Saving Prep

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing avocado preparation tools are limited in their ability to simultaneously scoop and slice avocados, requiring separate tools for different preparation methods such as slicing or cubing.

Innovation Solution

A transformable tool with a scoop and slicer mechanism, where the scoop and slicer are positioned at the same end for simultaneous scooping and slicing, and can be moved to opposite ends for separate scooping and slicing functions, allowing for versatile avocado preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single tool is designed to perform both scooping and slicing functions, then the number of tools needed is reduced and storage space is saved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for transformable mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into functionally independent modules: a scoop component and a slicer component with multiple slicing elements. These modules can be independently used or combined, allowing the tool to perform scooping, slicing, or cubing functions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slicer component is designed with a pivotable connection to the handle, allowing it to rotate between a stored position and a working position. This dynamic mechanism enables the tool to transform between different functional states (scooping only, slicing only, or simultaneous scooping and slicing) without requiring complex assembly/disassembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the slicer is integrated into the scoop handle, then the tool can simultaneously scoop and slice avocados, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the need to coordinate multiple functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation efficiencyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slicer component can be dynamically positioned in different states: retracted for simple scooping operations, or extended and positioned within the loop for slicing operations. This dynamic positioning allows users to select the appropriate functional state based on the preparation task, maintaining ease of operation while enabling multiple functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slicing function is segmented into a separate, movable component rather than being permanently integrated into the scoop. This segmentation allows users to engage or disengage the slicing function as needed, simplifying operation for tasks that only require scooping while enabling slicing when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9486098B2Tool for preparing an avocado
Publication Date: 2016.11.08 KINGS FLAIR DEV
  • US9486098B2 patent drawing
  • US9486098B2 patent drawing
  • US9486098B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tool for preparing an avocado, which comprises a scoop and a slicer. The tool is transformable between a first state in which the scoop and the slicer are positioned at a same end of the tool and used cooperatively to scoop and slice the pulp of the avocado simultaneously, and a second state in which the scoop and the slicer are positioned at opposite ends of the tool and used separately.