Detachable Cookware Handle Locking for Secure Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cookware with detachable handle parts often experience unintentional release, posing a risk of injury to the operator due to unreliable fixation.

Innovation Solution

A cookware design featuring a handle part connected to a coupling part via a web that engages in a groove, with a swiveling locking plate to prevent removal, and a spring-prestressed slide for secure assembly and disassembly, ensuring a backlash-free connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a detachable handle part is connected to the vessel part via a coupling part, then the handle part can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the grip part can be unintentionally released from the coupling part, posing a risk of injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking plate is designed to be pivotable between a locked position (where it blocks the groove and secures the handle) and an unlocked position (where the handle can be removed). This dynamic element allows the system to transition between secure attachment and easy detachment, resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking plate acts as an intermediary element between the handle part and coupling part. It mediates the connection by physically blocking the groove when in the locked position, preventing unintentional release while still allowing controlled removal when pivoted to the unlocked position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional release, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking plate (for blocking), the groove (for engagement), and the spring element (for prestressing). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex integrated mechanism while achieving reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element automatically prestresses the locking plate into the locked position, maintaining reliable fixation without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The mechanism serves itself by using the spring's elastic energy to maintain the locking state, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design provides a reliable, non-detachable connection between the handle and vessel parts, preventing unintentional loosening and ensuring safe handling while minimizing installation space.

Implementation Method 1

the operating part is formed by a slide that can be displaced along the handle part and is prestressed in the direction of the safety position by a spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element prestressing: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2586346B1Cooking utility
Publication Date: 2013.09.25 AMT ALUMETALL GIESSTECHN
  • EP2586346B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2586346B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2586346B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cookware comprises a vessel portion to which a handle portion (3) is detachably fastened, and a coupling portion (2) for fixing the handle to the vessel portion, through a recess formed in the handle portion, by engaging a groove formed in the coupling portion with the recess. A pivotable locking plate (5) is arranged in the recess formed in the handle portion, for preventing removal of the coupling portion from the recess, in the securing position. A coil spring (6) is arranged within the recess.