Freestanding portable splatter shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splatter shields are not adaptable to various stove sizes and styles, nor can they be easily used in other kitchen locations or with portable cooking devices, and they often have complex structures that hinder cleaning and are prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding, adjustable splatter shield with a central panel, extension panels, and end panels that are foldable and hingedly connected with a removable hinge system, allowing for angular adjustment and easy cleaning, made from materials like metal or polymeric materials for durability and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If splatter shields are constructed to attach permanently or semi-permanently to the stove, then they provide stable protection against splatters, but they are not adaptable to various stove sizes and styles and cannot be easily moved to other kitchen locations
Solution Approach 1:
The splatter shield is divided into multiple separate panels (front panel, rear panel, and side panels) that can be independently positioned and attached. This segmentation allows the shield to be configured to fit different stove sizes and styles while maintaining stable protection, as each panel can be adjusted and secured independently to the specific geometry of the stove being protected.
2Ease of operation
If splatter shields use a complex hinge arrangement for portability, then they can be folded for storage, but the non-removable hinge impedes cleaning and the flexible plastic hinge is susceptible to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is made removable rather than permanent, allowing the side panels to be easily detached from the front and rear panels. This extraction of the permanent hinge constraint enables complete disassembly for cleaning, eliminating crevices where debris can accumulate, while maintaining the foldability capability when the panels are connected during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If splatter shields have a fixed structure, then they are simple to manufacture, but they cannot be adjusted to accommodate varying appliances and cooking locations
Solution Approach 1:
The splatter shield employs a dynamic structure where side panels can be angularly adjusted relative to the front and rear panels through removable hinge connections. This allows the shield to be configured at different angles and positions to accommodate various appliance shapes and sizes, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one without requiring complex permanent adjustment mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If splatter shields cover all areas around the stove, then they provide comprehensive protection, but they occupy more storage space when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are designed to fold behind and nest against the front and rear panels when not in use, creating a compact folded configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the shield to provide comprehensive coverage when deployed while minimizing the storage volume required, as the panels stack efficiently rather than extending outward in all directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A splatter shield including a central panel, two extension panels, and two end panels, the extension panels being selectively movable to increase or decrease the length of the central panel, one end of each extension panel including a 90° flange member having at least one slot extending therethrough, one end of each of end panel including at least one curved member configured so as to be received by the at least one slot associated with the 90° flange members for selectively positioning the end panels at a plurality of different angular orientations to accommodate different work areas. The end panels are further movable to a position wherein they can be disengaged from the extension panels and the extension panels can be removed from the central panel. The present splatter shield can also be utilized without the extension panels, the 90° flange members being associated with the central panel.