Foldable Sheet Utensil Structure for Flat Storage and Multi-Use Eating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipurpose eating utensils, such as sporks and pen knives, are inadequate for cutting or spreading food and require manipulation to switch between uses, and they do not store efficiently for space-saving purposes.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose eating utensil made from thin, flexible sheet material with a membrane hinge allowing side parts to fold into a compact position, featuring integrated fastening formations for easy conversion between spoon, fork, and knife functions, enabling storage and use without manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pen knife with spoon and fork attachments is provided, then it can be used by campers who need not carry multiple utensils, but it requires manipulation for switching from one use to the other
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil incorporates a flexible or collapsible structure that allows different sections to be deployed or activated as needed. The varying widths along the utensil enable dynamic adjustment of which functional section is active, allowing easy transition between spoon, fork, and knife modes without complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil is pre-configured with all necessary functional sections (spoon, fork, knife) integrated along its length. The design anticipates different eating needs by having all functions prepared in advance, requiring only simple deployment or positioning actions to switch between uses.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional utensils are used, then they can perform their specific functions well, but they cannot be stored flat and take up significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil design allows smaller functional sections to be nested within or alongside larger sections when not in use. The varying widths enable the spoon bowl, fork tines, and knife blade to be arranged in a compact configuration that minimizes the overall volume required for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil transitions from a three-dimensional bulky form when deployed to a two-dimensional flat configuration for storage. The flexible or collapsible structure allows the utensil to be flattened against itself, reducing its volume from a volumetric object to a planar object that can be stored in minimal space.
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose eating utensil has two side parts of flexible sheet material having inner edges joined unitarily by a membrane hinge unitarily for movement of the side parts between a flattened position extending generally coplanar with each other and a folded use position extending at an acute angle to each other from the hinge with the outer edges closely juxtaposed. Front and rear utensil parts are formed unitarily with the side parts of the thin but flexible sheet material and each have an inner edge joined unitarily to ends of both of the side parts and an outer end edge. One of the outer end edges is formed as a fork and the other as a spoon. Male and female fastening formations formed unitarily with the outer side edges can be fitted together to retain the side parts in the folded use position.