Foldable Cone Utensil for Versatile Solid and Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utensils for collecting and pouring solid or liquid products are often cumbersome, complex, costly, and lack versatility, practicality, and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A utensil with a simple, ergonomic design featuring a foldable sheet of material forming a hollow cone shape, with reversible joining and grasping means, allowing easy assembly and adaptation for various functions, including a handle, brush, and funnel for handling both solids and liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional scoops with integral handles and fixed structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil is divided into separate components: a conical collecting portion and a handle that can be assembled and disassembled. The conical portion can be used independently or combined with the handle, allowing flexibility while maintaining structural stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical portion serves multiple functions: it can be used as a standalone collector, combined with the handle for pouring, or adapted with different attachments (brushes, funnels). This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools, simplifying the overall device system.
2Strength
If fixed-structure utensils are used, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability and versatility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil transitions from static to dynamic functionality through reversible connections. The handle can be attached or detached from the conical portion, and the conical portion itself can be folded or collapsed, allowing the structure to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining integrity during each specific task.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the conical portion changes between expanded (for collection and pouring) and collapsed (for storage and transport). This parameter change allows the same structure to serve different functional requirements without compromising structural integrity during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex assembly structures are used, then functional capability is improved, but ease of assembly and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the utensil into simple, standardized components (conical portion, handle, connection elements), each part can be manufactured independently using simple processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional capability through their combination.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (handle, collecting portion, connection mechanisms) are merged into a compact, integrated assembly that provides versatile functionality. The reversible connection system allows these elements to be combined in different configurations for different tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is relative to a utensil for collecting and pouring solid or liquid products, and in particular to a constructively simple, practical and very versatile utensil adapted both for collecting and pouring solid products in powder or granular form, and for collecting and pouring liquid products.