Ball-Joint Cookware Handle for Compact Folding Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cookware handles are fixed, making storage inconvenient and occupying space, and existing foldable handles are either limited in directionality or overly complex, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A cookware handle attached via a ball joint mechanism allowing rotating and tilting movements with a locking/unlocking operating unit, featuring a slideable rod and spring mechanism for user control, enabling easy folding and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fixed handle is used on cookware, then the handle provides stable support and easy manufacturing, but it occupies excessive storage space and prevents convenient stacking in cupboards
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate and tilt relative to the cookware body through a ball joint mechanism. This enables the handle to change its position from a protruding state during use to a folded state against the cookware body for storage, thereby reducing storage volume without requiring a completely different handle design
2Volume of moving object
If a foldable handle mechanism is added to reduce storage space, then storage convenience improves, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is segmented into distinct functional components: the handle grip, the ball joint mechanism, the operating unit with rod and spring, and the mounting bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, simplifying manufacturing compared to creating a single complex integrated structure
3Ease of operation
If conventional foldable handles are designed to fold only in upward or downward direction, then the structure remains relatively simple, but storage convenience in kitchen cabinets is still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint mechanism provides two degrees of freedom, allowing the handle to fold not only in the vertical direction but also to rotate horizontally around the cookware body. This multi-directional folding capability enables the handle to adapt to various storage configurations in kitchen cabinets, improving storage convenience without requiring an overly complex mechanism
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the ball joint to secure the handle, then handle stability during use improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operating unit incorporates a spring-loaded rod that automatically engages with a groove in the ball to lock the handle in position. The spring provides continuous force to maintain the locked state, and the geometry of the rod-groove interface ensures automatic engagement without requiring additional locking components or complex control mechanisms
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
The solution allows for easy left or right turning of the handle, reducing storage volume and enhancing usability, while maintaining a stylish design, thus addressing the limitations of existing foldable handles.
Implementation Method 1
the operating element is resiliently supported e.g. by means of at least one spring in such a way that a user has to act against the pretension to unlock the mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cookware comprising a vessel (1) and a handle (20,22) being attached to said vessel (1) in a foldable manner by means of a joint mechanism (10,11,12,21,23), wherein the joint mechanism (10,11,12,21,23) comprises a ball joint (12,21,23) which is configured to allow both a rotating and tilting movement of the handle (20,22) in relation to the vessel (1).