Knife Storage Box with Integrated Sharpener and Hand Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage solutions for knives and fork sets with built-in sharpeners are bulky, inconvenient to carry, and lack protective features, posing a risk of accidental injury during sharpening.
Innovation Solution
A compact storage box with a base, covering plate, and knife sharpener that allows for safe carrying and use, featuring a storage space, a knife sharpener fixing portion, and a covering plate that provides protection by blocking the user's hand during sharpening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional knife rack structure with whetstones and transmission mechanism is used, then the knife sharpening function is achieved, but the volume becomes large and inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the knife sharpener, storage space for knives and forks, and carrying handle into a single integrated box structure. The sharpener is mounted on the bottom surface of the box, while the sides provide storage compartments, creating a compact all-in-one unit that eliminates the need for separate carrying of multiple tools
Solution Approach 2:
The knife sharpener components (whetstones and transmission mechanism) are nested within the box structure itself, utilizing the internal space of the box to house the sharpening mechanism. This allows the sharpener to be contained within the portable box rather than requiring external attachments
2Reliability
If a conventional knife rack structure is used, then the knife sharpening function is provided, but the user's hand is exposed to risk of accidental cuts during sharpening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by providing a cover that can be positioned over the sharpener before sharpening operations begin. The cover includes a hand placement area that guides the user's non-knife hand to a safe position, preventing accidental contact with the rotating whetstones before the danger even arises
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the sharpener components. It provides a physical barrier and guidance structure that mediates the interaction, allowing the user to safely position their hand without direct exposure to the rotating whetstones
3Volume of moving object
If a compact storage box is used, then the portability is improved, but the protective function during sharpening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is merged with the box structure itself, forming an integrated unit where the cover becomes part of the box's overall design. This eliminates the need for separate protective devices while maintaining compact dimensions, as the cover folds or attaches to the existing box structure rather than adding external bulk
Data Source
AI summary
A storage box includes a base having a bottom portion with inner and outer surfaces, and a peripheral wall surrounding the bottom portion to form a storage space with the inner surface. The outer surface has a placing slot and a knife sharpener fixing portion adjacent thereto. When the user places a knife sharpener in the storage space and closes a covering plate, the whole storage box is portable. The knife is sharpened when the covering plate is detached and embedded in the placing slot while the bottom portion is orientated upward, and the knife sharpener is disposed on the knife sharpener fixing portion. The user moves a knife back and forth between the knife sharpener by one hand and puts the other hand beside the covering plate to avoid being gashed by the knife in the knife sharpening process, thereby achieving protection purpose.