Handle for a kitchen object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen handles are complex to produce, costly, non-recyclable, difficult to customize, and lack thermal and mechanical properties for high-temperature applications while being aesthetically limited and flame-resistant.
Innovation Solution
A handle composed of phenol resin for attachment, thermoplastic polymers with reinforcement fibers for intermediate parts, and techno-polymers for external aesthetics, using a method and mold that automates production and incorporates recyclable materials, ensuring thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and flame resistance with customizable aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional thermosetting material is used for handles, then thermal resistance is achieved, but recyclability is lost and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining thermoplastic polymer (for recyclability and low cost) with phenolic resin coating (for thermal resistance). This allows the handle to achieve high-temperature resistance while maintaining recyclability and reducing production costs compared to traditional fully thermosetting handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from exclusively thermosetting to a combination of thermoplastic base with thermosetting coating. This parameter change enables the handle to be recyclable through melting while the phenolic resin coating maintains thermal resistance properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If handles are made with simple construction, then production cost decreases, but mechanical strength and thermal resistance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where thermoplastic polymer provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the phenolic resin coating adds thermal resistance. This composite approach achieves high performance at lower production cost compared to complex multi-component traditional handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure features a nested configuration where the phenolic resin coating is applied over the thermoplastic polymer core. This nested structure allows the cheaper thermoplastic to provide the bulk structural support while the thinner phenolic layer provides the necessary thermal protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard materials are used for handles, then production is simple, but customization and aesthetic options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials with different properties to different parts of the handle: thermoplastic polymer for the bulk structure (providing formability and customization potential) and phenolic resin for the surface (providing heat resistance and aesthetic finish). This local differentiation enables both customization and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure allows independent optimization of each layer: the thermoplastic can be easily molded into various aesthetic forms and colors, while the phenolic resin coating provides the necessary thermal protection. This enables greater customization options compared to traditional single-material handles.
4Temperature
If handles are designed for high-temperature applications, then thermal resistance is improved, but material selection and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-material composite where thermoplastic polymer serves as the simple, easy-to-process base material, and phenolic resin is applied as a specialized coating layer for thermal resistance. This division of functions reduces overall production complexity compared to using complex high-temperature materials throughout the entire handle structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a kitchen object is provided, including a part for attachment or connection to an object made of phenol resin, an intermediate part which winds around and partially incorporates the part for attachment or connection, and an external part or skin for covering or coating the intermediate part.