Handle and container with handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slow cookers lack a means to support a lid after it is removed, are often aesthetically unpleasing, difficult to use, and require two hands to carry due to side handles, making them inconvenient for single-handed use.
Innovation Solution
A handle with a receiving area and locking mechanism that can securely hold a slow cooker lid, allowing for single-handed carrying and supporting the lid when not in use, which can be integrated into new slow cookers or provided as a retrofit for existing ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional slow cookers use side handles for carrying, then the container can be carried, but it requires two hands and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carrying handle function with the lid support function into a single integrated structure. The handle is positioned to span across the container opening, allowing it to serve both as a gripping point for carrying and as a support surface for the lid when removed, thereby eliminating the need for separate side handles and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a carrying handle for transporting the container, as a support structure for holding the lid when not in use, and potentially as a mounting point for locks. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of separate components needed while improving operational convenience.
2Ease of operation
If conventional slow cookers lack a lid support structure, then the device is simpler, but the lid has no place to rest and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lid support function is merged into the handle structure itself. The handle extends across the container opening in a position that naturally serves as a resting place for the lid, eliminating the need for separate lid support arms or clips while providing convenient lid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides carrying capability and lid support. By positioning the handle to span the container opening, it creates a natural ledge for the lid to rest on, thereby improving lid management without adding separate structural elements.
3Reliability
If conventional slow cookers use clips to secure the lid, then the lid can be held in place, but the structure becomes more complex and may be difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the handle structure rather than being separate clips attached to the container body. The handle itself incorporates the locking function, allowing the lid to be secured through the handle assembly, which simplifies the overall structure and improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable lid securing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional slow cookers have separate carrying handles and lid support structures, then each function is dedicated, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (carrying, lid support, and potentially lid securing) into a single integrated handle structure. This handle spans the container opening and provides all these functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it serves as a carrying handle, a lid support structure, and a potential locking mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain adaptability and versatility while reducing the number of separate components and overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a handle. In example embodiments, the handle may be attached to a container, for example, a slow cooker. In example embodiments the handle may be used to transport the container and may also be used to secure a lid to the container. In example embodiments, the handle may also be configured to receive and support the lid.