Multi-Radius Curve Rollover Frying Pan for Gentle Foodstuff Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frying pans require abrupt motions and significant dexterity to invert foodstuffs, often resulting in impact and breakage of delicate items like eggs, as they lose contact with the pan during inversion.

Innovation Solution

A multi-radius curve rollover frying pan design featuring a second hemi-circular side with a multi-radius curve cross-section and an overhanging rim, allowing foodstuffs to be gently rolled over and inverted onto a sloped section before returning to the pan base, minimizing impact and requiring minimal dexterity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a circular cross-section with an overhanging lip is used to invert foodstuffs, then foodstuffs can be inverted and deposited back in the pan center, but delicate foodstuffs are broken by impact during inversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoodstuff inversionVSAvoidimpact on delicate foodstuffs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a multi-radius curve cross-section to the pan side, transitioning from a simple circular cross-section with overhanging lip to a sophisticated curved profile with varying radii. This curvature design guides foodstuffs through a rolling motion along the curved surface, reducing impact by maintaining continuous contact and distributing forces throughout the inversion process rather than concentrating them at a single point of deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the pan cross-section by implementing varying radii of curvature along the pan side. The multi-radius curve profile modifies the path of foodstuff inversion, creating a gentler trajectory that reduces impact velocity and distributes the inversion forces over a longer path, thereby protecting delicate foodstuffs from breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If abrupt motions and jerking are applied to invert foodstuffs in conventional pans, then foodstuffs can be flipped and deposited back in the center, but significant dexterity and force are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoodstuff inversion speedVSAvoiddexterity and force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-radius curve cross-section creates a guided rolling path that converts abrupt flipping motions into smooth rolling motions. The curved geometry naturally directs foodstuffs through the inversion process, allowing users to achieve rapid inversion with minimal force by simply tilting the pan, as the curved surface does the work of guiding the foodstuffs through the inversion trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved pan geometry performs the inversion function automatically through its shape. When the pan is tilted, the multi-radius curve profile self-guides the foodstuffs through the inversion path without requiring the user to apply complex manual dexterity or forceful jerking motions. The structure itself provides the mechanical advantage needed for easy inversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If foodstuffs are accelerated up a curved side and forced into the air for rapid sautéing, then rapid cooking is enabled, but foodstuffs lose contact with the pan during inversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoodstuff accelerationVSAvoidloss of contact and aerial impact

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-radius curve cross-section is designed to maintain continuous contact between foodstuffs and the pan surface during inversion. The carefully selected varying radii create a rolling path that keeps foodstuffs engaged with the pan surface throughout the inversion process, preventing them from detaching and falling through the air, thereby eliminating impact breakage while still enabling efficient cooking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables the easy and gentle inversion of delicate foodstuffs like eggs with reduced force and dexterity, maintaining contact with the pan to prevent breakage and ensuring smooth inversion without significant manual effort.

Implementation Method 1

coming to rest under the influence of gravity on the cooking surface of the pan base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10517430B1Multi-radius curve rollover frying pan

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 TRZCINSKI KENNETH J

AI summary

A mutli-radius curve rollover frying pan, including a second hemi-circular side having a multi-radius curve cross-section along a first arcuate section and a second arcuate section to terminate at a second rim, is provided. The second rim is disposed substantially parallel the pan base but overhanging the first arcuate section. The multi-radius curve cross-section quickens towards the second rim whereby foodstuffs accelarated up the second hemi-circular side are gently inverted and rolled over at the second arcuate section maintaining contact with the pan. Flight of foodstuffs is minimized. Foodstuffs are inverted to complete rotation upon the slope of the first arcuate section before coming to rest under the influence of gravity on the cooking surface of the pan base. Force of impact is therefore minimized. Thus even delicate foodstuffs (such as eggs, for example) are readily inverted with minimal dexterity required and with minimal force applied to the pan proper.