Collapsible Container Handle With Locking Arm Against Accidental Fold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pot handles that collapse for storage can inadvertently collapse during use, posing a risk of burns, especially when in use for heating or boiling, and require time-consuming assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A handle design featuring a mount with a locking recess, a pivot arm, and a locking arm that is biased towards the locking recess during use, allowing the handle to be securely locked in place and rotated above the container for storage, with mechanisms like latches and springs to prevent accidental collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the handle is made collapsible for storage, then storage space is reduced, but the handle may inadvertently collapse during use causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be collapsed during storage and extended during use. The handle body can rotate between a stored position (above the container) and an operating position (extending outward), providing adaptability for both storage and functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded latch mechanism provides automatic feedback and locking. When the handle is extended to the operating position, the latch automatically engages with a locking recess to secure the handle in place. This prevents inadvertent collapse during use while maintaining the ability to collapse for storage when intentionally released.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is made removable for storage, then storage convenience is improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure that can be easily repositioned between stored and operating states by simply rotating the handle body, eliminating the need for complex assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the handle is in the operating position, and can be easily released by applying force to the release element. This self-locking and self-releasing mechanism greatly reduces the time and effort required to transition between storage and use.
3Reliability
If the handle is locked in place during use, then handle stability is improved, but the ability to collapse for storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable handle body and a spring-loaded latch that can engage or disengage. This allows the handle to transition between a locked stable state during use and an unlocked collapsible state for storage, providing both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical state parameters through the engagement and disengagement of the latch mechanism. When the latch engages, the handle is locked in a stable extended position. When the latch is released, the handle can be rotated to a collapsed storage position, effectively changing the system's operational parameters.
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 handle securely locks in place during use while allowing easy collapse for storage, reducing the risk of accidental collapse and simplifying the storage process without requiring frequent assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the latch operable to bias the locking arm towards the locking recess. The latch preferably has a resilient arm and the locking arm has a cam abutment, the resilient arm operable to bias the locking arm through its contact with the cam abutment.
Implementation Method 2
the mount may have a flat spring attached thereto, the flat spring biased towards a position where it obstructs removal of the locking arm from the at least one opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a container, the container including a peripheral wall that defines an internal area. The handle includes a mount having a locking recess and a body including a pivot arm and a locking arm. The pivot arm is pivotally connected to the mount. When positioned in an operating position, the locking arm is biased toward the locking recess so as to secure the locking arm in place relative to the mount. When positioned in a storage position, the body is rotated about the pivot arm to a location above or in the internal area.