Citrus Press Handle Recess for Detachable Zester Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen tools for citrus juice extraction and peel grating are separate entities, lacking a combined solution that efficiently utilizes space and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A combined citrus press and zester design where the zester is selectively mounted to the press using a collar and depression mechanism, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal, with options like friction fit, O-ring, elastomer overmold, and magnetic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate citrus press and zester implements are used, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but kitchen space is wasted and material usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a citrus press and citrus zester into a single integrated device. The zester is selectively mounted to the press body, allowing both functions (juice extraction and peel grating) to be performed with one tool, thereby saving kitchen space and reducing the number of separate implements needed
2Stability of the object's composition
If the zester is permanently attached to the press, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of cleaning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The zester attachment mechanism allows the device to transition between different states: the zester can be selectively mounted to the press body when both functions are needed, or removed when only juice extraction is required. This dynamic attachment provides both stability during combined use and flexibility for separate operation or cleaning
3Loss of substance
If the male die is formed with constant thickness to save material, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but a depression is created on the outer side of the upper handle
Solution Approach 1:
The depression created in the upper handle by the constant thickness male die is converted from a potential defect into a useful feature. This depression serves as a mounting location for the zester, allowing the zester to be selectively attached to the press body. Thus, what would otherwise be wasted material or an aesthetic flaw becomes a functional advantage that enables integrated operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A combined citrus press and zester. The citrus press is of a known type, and includes an upper handle and a lower handle joined at a forward pivot point. The lower handle includes a cup sized to receive a halved citrus fruit, such as a lemon or lime. The upper handle includes a male die which mates with said cup to compress and thus juice the halved fruit. To save material and weight, the male die is formed as relatively constant thickness, which results in a depression on the opposite, outer side of the upper handle. The citrus zester includes a body with a grating blade received or formed therein. The inner side of the body has a collar extending therefrom and surrounding the blade. This collar is sized to be received within the depression formed in the upper handle of the citrus press. The collar may be sized and formed such that the zester may be selectively mounted to the press.