Container Handle Snap-Fit Attachment for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching a plastic handle to a glass container for kitchen appliances are complex, costly, and aesthetically unappealing, often requiring multiple components and tools, and do not provide a reliable or safe attachment, especially for larger or heavier glass containers.
Innovation Solution
A plastic handle is attached to a glass container using a snap-fit mechanism with an anchoring element in the form of a hook, eliminating the need for additional parts and providing a secure, tool-free connection, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of glass and ensuring safety through a bayonet connection and integrated safety means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic handle is attached to a glass container using intermediate parts (screwed or glued), then the handle can be securely attached, but the construction becomes complex and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle and container into a single integrated component. The handle is directly formed as part of the glass container through glass blowing techniques, eliminating the need for separate attachment parts. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing secure attachment (the handle cannot detach) while simultaneously reducing component complexity to zero additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining glass (for the container body) with plastic or rubber coatings (for the handle grip). The plastic/rubber material is applied directly to the glass handle surface, creating a composite structure that maintains the strength and security of glass while adding grip functionality and aesthetic appeal without requiring separate attachment components.
2Reliability
If safety means are added to detect lid presence and closed state, then safety is improved, but the plastic handle becomes more robust and oversized covering significant part of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing safety detection features only where needed - specifically in the lid and container rim areas - rather than requiring the handle to be oversized. The integrated glass handle maintains its original aesthetic form while safety sensors are locally positioned in the lid assembly to detect presence and closed state, thus preserving the container's appearance while ensuring safety functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a plastic handle is attached to a glass container, then the container becomes easier to handle, but cleaning is complicated due to large surfaces covered by plastic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle and container into a single seamless integrated component. The handle is directly formed from the glass container material, creating smooth transitions without gaps or joints. This integration dramatically improves cleaning accessibility compared to attached handles, as there are no separate plastic components with large surfaces that trap food particles. The seamless design allows easy wiping and thorough cleaning while maintaining excellent handleability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A container (1) for a kitchen appliance comprising: - a handle (6), - a wall (4), - a base (5), - a lid (2) adapted to close the container (1), - an anchoring member (3) being integral with the wall (4) of the container (1), wherein the handle (6) is configured to be attached to the container (1) by means of the anchoring member (3) and the handle (6) is realized in one piece with the base (5).