Camping Utensil Kit with Deformable Connector for Multi-Function Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camping tools for eating and cooking often lack versatility and convenience in terms of storage and use, as they do not efficiently combine primary and secondary functions, nor do they provide effective solutions for elevating food or securely holding utensils when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A camping utensil kit that includes a deformable connector linking a utensil and a bonus tool, allowing them to be coupled and decoupled perpendicularly, with the bonus tool featuring a bent portion for secondary functions like elevating food and engaging containers, and a connector that biases the tool toward the utensil for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If camping utensils are designed as separate individual items, then each utensil can perform its primary function effectively, but the kit lacks versatility and requires multiple separate storage solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camping utensils (spoon, fork, knife) and a bonus tool into a single integrated kit structure. The deformable connector selectively couples these separate utensils together, allowing them to function as individual items when needed while also enabling compact stored configuration where all utensils are connected together, eliminating the need for multiple separate storage solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonus tool in the kit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a eating utensil component and a secondary tool for additional camping tasks. The deformable connector system allows the same structural framework to support both the primary eating functions and the secondary bonus tool functions, maximizing the versatility of the overall kit without adding proportional complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable connector is used to couple utensils and tools, then the connection can be selectively made and removed for versatility, but the coupling mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable connector is designed with dynamic properties, allowing it to be selectively deformed into different configurations. The connector can be deformed to couple the bonus tool to the utensil handle, and deformed again to decouple them. This dynamic deformability provides selective coupling capability while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that doesn't require complex mechanical fastening systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bonus tool is positioned at an oblique angle, then it can provide secondary functions like elevating food and engaging containers, but the tool configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bonus tool is positioned at an oblique angle rather than symmetrically aligned with the utensil handle. This asymmetric angular configuration enables the bonus tool to perform secondary functions such as elevating food above the surface and engaging with container edges, while the overall asymmetric design is integrated into the compact kit structure without requiring additional complex positioning 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 enhances the utensil kit's functionality by enabling it to serve both primary eating functions and secondary uses such as elevating food and securely storing utensils, providing a compact and versatile solution for camping needs.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable connector selectively passing through the handle aperture and the tool aperture to maintain the utensil and the tool coupled together
Data Source
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AI summary
A camping tool including an eating utensil (14) having a handle (14, 38) and a handle (14, 38) coupling feature, a tool including a bent portion (48) arranged at an oblique angle (72) relative to a body (47) portion, and a tool coupling feature, and a deformable connector (22) engaging the handle (14, 38) coupling feature and the tool coupling feature and biasing the tool toward the eating utensil (14). The utensil (14) has a primary function when disconnected from the tool, and a secondary function when connected to the tool, and the secondary function includes supporting the camping utensil kit (10) on the bent portion (48) to elevate the food portion (26) above a surface (118) and supporting the camping utensil kit (10) on the edge of a container with the bent portion (48).