Hands-Free Measuring Spoon With Hinged Fastener System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement devices do not effectively reduce spillage and waste during the process of portioning ingredients for recipes, as they require manual support and handling, leading to inefficiencies and potential messes.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free measuring spoon assembly with a handle extending from a bowl, featuring a first and second fastener system that allows the bowl to be securely positioned over a vessel, enabling hands-free portioning of ingredients without manual support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If manual support and handling of the bowl is used, then the device is simple in structure, but spillage and waste increase during portioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle portion and a bowl portion connected by a hinge joint. This segmentation allows the bowl to be independently positioned and secured relative to the handle, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining structural simplicity. The fastening mechanism is also segmented into separate attachment points on the handle and bowl, allowing independent adjustment and securing.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle and bowl, providing controlled movement and positioning capability. The hinge allows the bowl to be positioned at various angles while maintaining a stable connection, preventing spillage without requiring complex rigid structures. Fasteners serve as intermediaries to secure the bowl in the desired position.
2Measurement precision
If hands-free positioning is implemented, then precision and cleanliness improve, but the device requires fasteners and hinge mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the bowl to be adjusted to various angles and positions during use. This dynamic adjustment enables precise portioning by allowing the user to position the bowl optimally over the ingredient container, while the hinge maintains this position securely during the portioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is designed to secure the bowl in the desired position before the actual portioning action begins. By预先 securing the bowl at the correct angle and position, the device ensures precision is maintained throughout the portioning process without requiring continuous manual adjustment or support.
3Loss of substance
If the bowl is securely positioned over the vessel, then spillage is reduced, but manual handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-positioning and self-securing through the hinge and fastening mechanisms. Once positioned, the bowl remains securely held without requiring continuous manual support or adjustment. This self-service capability maintains spillage reduction throughout the portioning process while freeing the user's hands to efficiently perform the portioning action.
Data Source
AI summary
A hands free measuring spoon assembly for reducing spillage and waste includes a handle that is coupled to and extends from a circumference of a bowl so that the handle is substantially coplanar with a top of the bowl. The handle is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user to lift the bowl. A first fastener is coupled to the circumference of the bowl so that the first fastener is opposingly positioned on the bowl relative to the handle. A second fastener is coupled to the handle distal from the bowl. The second fastener and the first fastener are configured to be selectively coupled to a lip of a vessel so that the bowl is supported over an opening of the vessel. The user then is positioned to portion a component into the bowl in preparation for adding a portion of the component to the vessel.