Foldable handle for cooking utensils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable handles for cooking utensils are complex, require high manufacturing precision, and suffer from instability and wobbling during use due to inadequate engagement mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A foldable handle design featuring a connecting component with a pivot seat, snap-fit seat, and a locking assembly comprising a hook-shaped locking member and elastic member, allowing for smooth unfolding and folding with stable interlocking through inclined surfaces and a reset spring mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex elastic lock mechanism with switch button is used for detachable handle, then the handle can be detached for portability, but the structure becomes complex and assembly is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle detachabilityVSAvoidlock mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex elastic lock mechanism and switch button from the handle structure, replacing them with a simplified engagement system. The handle connects to the pot body through a direct engagement structure between corresponding engagement portions, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms while maintaining detachability for portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex lock mechanism to secure the handle, the patent inverts the approach by designing complementary engagement portions that naturally interlock through geometric matching. The connection relies on the shape and positioning of engagement features rather than active locking components, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If convex portion and concave portion are tightly engaged for handle stability, then wobbling is reduced, but disengagement becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle stabilityVSAvoidhandle disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an elastic member that enables the engagement portions to dynamically adjust during connection and disengagement. The elastic component provides flexibility that facilitates easy separation while maintaining stable engagement during use, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is pre-loaded to create a preliminary separating force that opposes the engagement force. This preliminary anti-action reduces the force required for disengagement while maintaining tight engagement during normal use, allowing easy separation without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If high manufacturing precision is required for engagement surfaces, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the engagement portions with specific geometric features concentrated at critical locations. Rather than requiring high precision across entire surfaces, the design focuses precision requirements on specific engagement points and features, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement portions utilize asymmetric geometric features that provide stable engagement through shape complementarity rather than requiring high precision symmetric surfaces. The asymmetric design creates a natural engagement orientation that is tolerant of manufacturing variations, reducing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 ensures stable, labor-saving operation with reduced wobbling and manufacturing costs, maintaining handle stability during use and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member (5), wherein the elastic member (5) maintains an elastic force that drives the locking member (3) to retract into the mounting cavity for resetting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12502037B1Foldable handle for cooking utensils

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 ZHEJIANG NOVIA KITCHENWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A foldable handle for cooking utensils comprises a connecting component and a handle. The connecting component comprises a pivot seat and a snap-fit seat. Pivot arms of the handle are rotatably connected to the pivot seat, and the handle is provided with a locking member. When the snap-fit seat is snap-fitted into a hook portion of the locking member, the handle is locked with the connecting component, and the handle is in a working position. When the snap-fit seat disengages from the hook portion, the handle is folded in the upper portion of the connecting component, and the handle is in a retracted position. The foldable handle has simple structure, is easy to manufacture, uses labor-saving operation, and has stability.