Detachable Utensil Handle Coupling With One-Hand Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking accessories with non-removable handles are difficult to wash and store, prone to accidental knocking, and have a higher risk of breakage due to the coupling mechanism, while removable handles are often hard to detach and reattach, especially with one hand, and may detach accidentally.
Innovation Solution
A detachable coupling arrangement featuring a male and female portion with a stop element and resilient retention elements that allow for easy detachment and reattachment, reducing the risk of breakage and accidental detachment, and enabling the use of a single handle with multiple utensils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-removable handle is used to connect to a utensil, then the utensil cannot fall off the handle (stability), but the accessory becomes difficult to wash and store, and the handle can get knocked resulting in spillages or accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into separate components: a removable handle body and a utensil portion with coupling mechanisms. The male portion on the handle and female portion on the utensil allow the handle to be detached for easier washing and storage, while still providing secure connection when attached.
2Ease of operation
If a removable handle is used to enable easy detachment and reattachment, then the handle can be removed and reattached, but known removable handles are often difficult to remove and reattach, especially with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded locking system. When the handle is pushed onto the utensil, the male portion automatically engages with the female portion and triggers the spring mechanism to lock into place without requiring manual intervention beyond the initial pushing motion.
3Ease of operation
If a removable handle with coupling mechanisms is used to enable detachment, then the handle can be removed, but existing removable handles are more prone to breaking due to the movement of parts for coupling and uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is extracted as a separate, replaceable component within the coupling mechanism. This allows the spring to be independently maintained or replaced if worn, while the main handle and utensil bodies remain intact. The spring is housed within the female portion and only the locking pin protrudes externally.
4Reliability
If a removable handle with locking mechanisms is used to prevent accidental detachment, then the connection can be secured, but the mechanisms may reduce the ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses asymmetric geometry where the male portion has a specific shape that must be oriented correctly to engage with the female portion. The locking pin and retention groove are positioned asymmetrically, allowing engagement in one direction while preventing accidental disengagement, yet still permitting easy removal when intentionally acted upon.
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 solution allows for easy handling, storage, and cleaning of utensils, reduces the risk of accidents, and extends the lifespan of the coupling mechanism by allowing multiple uses without reducing its effectiveness or structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable second retention element configured to cooperate to prevent movement of the male portion relative to the female portion in a downward direction when the female portion is coupled to the male portion; the second retention element being configured so that it engages the lower surface, as the male portion is received in the female portion, to resiliently deform the second retention element so that it locates over the first retention element and abuts against the retention surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present application relates to a detachable coupling arrangement (1) for connecting a handle (2) to a utensil, the detachable coupling arrangement (1) comprises a male portion (5), a female portion (4) adapted to receive the female portion (4), a stop element (6) for preventing movement of the male portion (5) relative to the female portion (4) in an upward direction (A) when the female portion (4) is coupled to the male portion (5). The detachable coupling arrangement (1) also comprises a first retention element and a resiliently deformable second retention element (8) configured to cooperate to prevent movement of the male portion (5) relative to the female portion (4) in a downward direction (B) when the female portion (4) is coupled to the male portion (5), the first retention element having a retention surface and a lower surface (23), and the second retention element (8) being configured so that it engages the lower surface (23), as the male portion (5)is received in the female portion (4), to resiliently deform the second retention element (8) so that it locates over the first retention element and abuts against the retention surface.