Gravity-Locking Tongs for Secure Grip and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tong- or clamp-like utensils face difficulties in holding heavy or slippery objects due to strong biasing forces, and they become cumbersome when not in use due to the need for external locking mechanisms that can be unreliable and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement featuring a pivotable member and guide that allows the utensil arms to lock or unlock based on orientation, using a lever and guide configuration to restrict movement, enabling secure object holding and compact storage without external locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external locking mechanisms like rings are provided, then the arms can be held together when not in use, but the ring is difficult to maneuver, unreliable, and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The tongs lock themselves automatically through the orientation-dependent groove mechanism. When carried or stored in the correct orientation, the ball bearing naturally settles into the second groove position, engaging the locking feature without requiring any manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged into the structural components of the tongs themselves. The grooves are formed directly in the arm structures, and the ball bearing is contained within the housing, eliminating the need for separate external locking components like rings.
2Ease of operation
If the arms are biased to spread apart when not in use, then the utensil can be easily opened for use, but the utensil becomes larger and difficult to stow
Solution Approach 1:
The tongs transition dynamically between two stable states: an open state for use and a closed locked state for storage. The orientation-dependent locking mechanism allows the arms to be held together securely in the closed state, minimizing storage volume while maintaining ease of opening when needed.
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 solution provides secure grasping and easy release of objects, even when heavy or slippery, and allows for compact storage by utilizing gravity-activated locking, minimizing interference from food substances like grease or sauce.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing means (26) may be provided to bias the arms (8, 10) to a far apart configuration
Implementation Method 2
The ball bearing (38) is movable in the channel (36) and can assume a first position in which the walls (16, 18, 20, 22) are locked together or a second position in which the walls (16, 18, 20, 22) are not locked together
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with a locking arrangement having a first member (58) and a second member (60), each having a front end and a rear end and with the first member and the second member connected together at a first pivot axis (70), a front portion (56), a rear portion (54) and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lever (62) and a guide (64). The arrangement is configured to assume one of two configurations in that in a first configuration the lever is engaged in a first position due to orientation of the arrangement such that the first arm and the second arm are locked against each other, or in a second configuration in which the lever (62) having been disengaged from the first position, or engaging or engaged in the second position, due to orientation of the apparatus such that the first arm and the second arm are movable relative to each other.