kitchenware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen utensils made from multiple materials face issues with bulkiness, weight, differential thermal and chemical reactions leading to aesthetic and functional defects, and recyclability challenges due to inseparable components.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen utensil design featuring a removable coupling mechanism between a plastic handle and a metal working portion, allowing for individual recycling and easy switching between different working portions, utilizing snap-fit, bayonet, or pressure combining means with a sleeve element for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If kitchen utensils are made from multiple materials (plastic handle and metal working portion), then functional performance is improved, but recyclability deteriorates due to inseparable components
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil is divided into separate components (handle and working portion) that can be detached from each other. The handle and working portion are connected through a removable coupling mechanism, allowing them to be separated for individual recycling while maintaining functional performance when assembled.
2Ease of manufacture
If kitchen utensils are made in one piece from single material, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility deteriorates as each utensil can only perform a single function
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed as a universal component that can be coupled with different working portions to perform multiple functions. The standardized removable coupling mechanism allows the same handle to work with various attachments, enabling one handle to serve multiple purposes across different kitchen tasks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If handle and working portion are integrally coupled, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates preventing replacement of working portions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static integral connection to a dynamic removable connection. The combining means allow the handle and working portion to be assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural stability during use, providing both stability and adaptability through controlled reversibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for handle and working portion, then functional suitability is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to differential thermal reactions causing blemishes
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the handle and working portion into distinct components with different materials, each can be optimized for its specific function while the removable coupling allows users to separate them before thermal processing, preventing aesthetic damage at the interface while maintaining functional suitability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a kitchen utensil (1) comprising a first portion (2) including a handle (3) of the utensil and a second portion (4) including at least one working portion (5) of the utensil, and further comprising combining means (6) for a removable coupling of the first portion with the second portion, wherein the first portion (2) is made of a first material and the second portion (4) is made of a second material different from the first material, wherein the first material and the second material are essentially completely recyclable.