Fold-Flat Hinged Eating Utensil for Spoon-Fork-Knife Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipurpose eating utensils, such as sporks and multi-tool devices, are either ineffective for cutting or spreading food, require manipulation to switch between uses, and do not store efficiently for space-saving purposes.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose eating utensil with geometrically similar isosceles trapezoidal side parts made of flexible sheet material, featuring inner hinges for pivoting between a storage and use position, allowing it to function as a spoon, fork, and knife without manipulation, and fold flat for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spork is made as a single piece of plastic with spoon and fork functions, then it is easy to manufacture and store, but it cannot be used for cutting or spreading food
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil is divided into multiple functional segments: a fork end with tines, a knife end with a blade edge, and a spoon end with a bowl, all connected through a hinge mechanism that allows each segment to be positioned independently for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil employs a hinge mechanism that allows dynamic reconfiguration between storage and use positions, enabling the knife and fork segments to pivot into place only when needed, while maintaining a compact flat form when stored
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camper's multi-tool device is provided with spoon, fork, and knife attachments, then it can perform multiple functions, but it requires manipulation to switch between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables automatic positioning of functional segments when the utensil is flexed, reducing the manipulation required to switch between functions compared to rigid multi-tool devices with separate attachments
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil is constructed from flexible sheet material that allows the segments to bend and pivot into their functional positions through simple flexing motions, eliminating the need for complex attachment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-tool device is provided with separate attachments for spoon, fork, and knife, then it can perform multiple functions, but it does not store flat and takes up space
Solution Approach 1:
The functional segments are arranged in a nested configuration where the knife and fork segments fold against the handle when not in use, allowing the entire utensil to collapse into a compact flat form that stores efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism allows the utensil to dynamically transition between an expanded functional form during use and a collapsed flat form for storage, optimizing both usability and space efficiency
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
Enables seamless transition between uses without manual switching and compact storage, providing a versatile and space-efficient solution for various eating tasks.
Implementation Method 1
formed of thin but flexible sheet material
Implementation Method 2
An inner hinge interconnects the minor base edges for pivoting of the two side parts relative to each other about an axis substantially parallel to the inner edges
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose eating utensil has a pair of side parts of generally isosceles trapezoidal shape and front and rear end parts, all formed of thin but flexible sheet material. Minor base edges of the side parts are closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel to each other and connected by a hinge. A front utensil part has a pair of straight inner edges juxtaposed closely with the front side edges of the side parts, an outer edge formed with longitudinally projecting fork tines, and a longitudinally extending side edge formed as a cutting tool. A rear utensil part has a pair of straight inner edges juxtaposed closely with the rear side edges of the side parts and an outer edge joining outer ends of the respective inner edges. Front and back hinges connect the inner edges of the front and back parts to the side edges of the side parts.