Magnetic Kitchen Object Support Kit to Avoid Surface Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen accessories for supporting frequently used items like sponges and dishcloths are either damaging to surfaces, cumbersome, not visually appealing, or lack versatility and ease of use, particularly when it comes to accommodating wet or humid objects and adapting to different kitchen environments.

Innovation Solution

A kit of calibrated magnets that can be fixed to various surfaces, including non-magnetic ones, allowing for flexible positioning and use without damaging the surface, and enabling easy attachment and detachment of kitchen objects without the need for hooks or bars, providing a versatile and aesthetically pleasing solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hooks are fixed to walls by drilling or gluing, then objects can be securely supported, but the surface is damaged and positioning becomes fixed and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure supportVSAvoidsurface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fixing systems (drilling, gluing) with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the support device exert magnetic attraction forces on ferromagnetic surfaces (like metal sinks or refrigerators) to secure objects without physical contact or surface damage, while allowing flexible positioning and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or properties of the support mechanism from permanent mechanical attachment to reversible magnetic attachment. By utilizing magnetic field strength as a controllable parameter, the system achieves secure holding force that can be easily adjusted or deactivated by removing the magnetic source, enabling flexible repositioning without surface damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If suction cup hooks are used to avoid surface damage, then surfaces are protected, but they detach due to moisture and have poor reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface protectionVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the suction cup mechanical adhesion system (which relies on vacuum pressure and fails with moisture) with a magnetic field-based attraction system. The magnetic force is not affected by moisture and provides reliable, consistent holding force on ferromagnetic surfaces, eliminating the detachment problem while maintaining surface protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional hooks and storage boxes are used, then objects can be supported, but they are not visually pleasing and lack aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject supportVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin, flexible magnetic support device that can conform to various surface shapes and contours. This thin-profile design is aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive, unlike bulky traditional hooks or storage boxes, while still providing reliable magnetic support for kitchen objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If magnetic devices are fixed inside the sink, then sponges can be supported, but the solution is not suitable for dishcloths or accessories that need to remain dry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic supportVSAvoidsuitability for different objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal magnetic support system that can accommodate various types of kitchen objects (sponges, dishcloths, utensils, accessories) on different surfaces (sinks, refrigerators, walls). The magnetic mechanism remains the same, but its application location and supporting object can be varied, making it versatile for both wet and dry items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 magnetic kit allows for efficient, versatile, and aesthetically neutral support of kitchen objects, ensuring they are always accessible while maintaining the integrity and appearance of the kitchen environment, and can be easily assembled and reconfigured to suit different objects and spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet suitable for being placed on a surface and exerting a magnetic attraction force to hold an object between itself and the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The surface is made of a ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3366177B1Device for supporting kitchen objects
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 BELLANDA
  • EP3366177B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3366177B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3366177B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The present invention refers to the field of kitchen accessories. In particular, the present invention deals with those kitchen accessories suitable to support other kitchen accessories, in order to make them more accessible in an immediate way or more convenient to use. A variety of devices in a range suitable to hold in view, without creating disorder, the objects that are more frequently used in the kitchen are known in the art. Among the aims of the present invention is the realization of a device (1) or kit for holding or supporting kitchen objects that is versatile, that can be assembled at the user's pleasure, not very bulky and comfortable to use.