Camping utensil kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camping tools lack a compact and versatile design that allows for easy storage and efficient conversion between different utensil functions, such as tongs and storage arrangements, while providing additional functionalities like can opening and peeling.
Innovation Solution
A camping utensil kit featuring a spatula with a tongs dovetail connector and storage dovetail connector, a spoon with a flange for the connectors, a fork with tines, and a tool with multiple functions, where the flange can be slid into either the tongs or storage connector to switch between tongs and storage modes, utilizing a living spring for flexibility in the tongs arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate utensils are carried for camping, then functional versatility is improved, but storage space and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camping utensils (spatula, spoon, fork, can opener, peeler) into a single integrated kit with a common handle, allowing all tools to be carried together in one compact unit rather than as separate items
Solution Approach 2:
The common handle serves multiple functions: it acts as a handle for all utensils, provides a storage cavity for nesting tools, and includes a living spring mechanism for the tongs arrangement. The dovetail connectors enable the same handle to work with multiple different tool heads
2Volume of moving object
If utensils are designed for compact storage, then portability is improved, but ease of conversion between functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The living spring in the common handle provides dynamic flexibility, allowing the handle to flex and return to its original position. This enables easy assembly and disassembly of different tool configurations without permanent deformation or complex fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil kit is divided into modular components (tool heads and common handle with dovetail connectors) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The segmentation allows each tool to be quickly attached or detached from the handle without affecting other components
3Ease of operation
If a living spring is added for tongs arrangement flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The living spring automatically provides the necessary flexibility and return force for the tongs arrangement without requiring external mechanisms or complex control systems. The spring's elastic properties self-regulate the movement and positioning of the spatula blade during tongs operation
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 kit provides a compact storage solution and easy conversion between utensil functions, enhancing usability and convenience during camping with the added functionality of tools like can openers and vegetable peelers, while maintaining ease of use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
flexing the first utensil, via a living spring, while in the tongs arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A camping tool including a spatula including a blade, a spatula handle, a tongs dovetail connector arranged on a first side of the spatula handle, and a storage dovetail connector arranged on a second side of the spatula handle opposite the first side, a spoon including a bowl, a spoon handle, and a spoon connector including a spoon flange sized to be received in the tongs dovetail connector or the storage dovetail connector, a fork including tines, a fork handle, and a fork connector including a fork flange sized to be received in the tongs dovetail connector or the storage dovetail connector, and a tool including at least one of a can opener, a package opener, a bottle opener, and a vegetable peeler, and a tool flange sized to be received in the storage dovetail connector.