Pan with releasable handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable handle systems for pans, particularly those using rotating cam mechanisms, face issues with wear and instability due to differences in hardness between the cam and bracket materials, leading to costly manufacturing and limited material choices for the pan, often necessitating the use of metal brackets which restrict the pan's material selection and cause handling difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connection mechanism featuring a cam-operated engaging mechanism with a resilient strip that minimizes sliding forces on the bracket, allowing the handle to be securely locked without wear, enabling the use of softer materials like aluminum for the pan and bracket, and eliminating the need for a separate bracket by integrating the connection as a one-piece component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating cam mechanism is used for detachable handle connection, then the handle can be securely locked, but wear occurs on the bracket surface due to sliding against the cam
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient reaction strip is introduced as an intermediary element between the cam and the bracket. The cam acts against this resilient strip during rotation, which in turn transmits the force to the bracket. This mediator absorbs the sliding wear, protecting the bracket surface while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction surface is changed from a rigid bracket surface to a resilient strip with elastic properties. This parameter change allows the surface to deform elastically during cam rotation, reducing friction and wear on the bracket while still providing sufficient reaction force for secure locking.
2Strength
If the bracket is made of hard metal to resist cam sliding, then wear is reduced, but the pan material choice is restricted and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient reaction strip serves as a protective intermediary that bears the sliding contact from the cam. This allows the bracket to be made from softer, more versatile materials (including aluminum matching the pan) without compromising wear resistance, as the resilient strip absorbs the abrasive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system becomes a composite structure combining the resilient strip (providing wear resistance and elasticity) with the bracket (providing structural support). This composite approach allows optimization of each component's material properties independently, enabling the bracket to use softer, more manufacturable materials.
3Manufacturing precision
If small tolerances are used in the cam connection to prevent play, then connection rigidity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and final adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient reaction strip introduces elasticity into the connection system, allowing for larger tolerances. The elastic deformation of the strip compensates for dimensional variations in the cam and bracket, maintaining a rigid, play-free connection without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient strip acts as a pre-built cushion that absorbs tolerance variations before they can create play in the connection. By anticipating and compensating for dimensional variations through the elastic properties of the strip, the system achieves rigid connection without requiring post-manufacturing adjustment.
4Strength
If a separate metal bracket is used for the connection, then connection strength is ensured, but the pan cannot be made as a single-piece aluminum component
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient reaction strip is integrated directly into the pan body, merging the bracket function with the pan structure. This eliminates the need for a separate metal bracket component, allowing the pan to be manufactured as a single-piece aluminum component while maintaining connection strength through the resilient strip-cam mechanism.
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 solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing connection that prevents wear and ensures easy engagement/disengagement of the handle, allowing for the use of aluminum pans without compromising the connection's strength or durability, reducing manufacturing costs and design constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient strip (40) arranged between the first surface of the cam and the edge of the hole, allowing sliding of the cam and pressing against the edge of the hole
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A releasable connection between a pan and a handle comprises a bracket, which is provided with a hole (16) and intended to project laterally from the body of the pan, and an engaging mechanism, which is intended to be arranged on the handle and which comprises an engaging tooth (17) which is inserted into said hole (16) and a cam element (19) which is rotatable into a locked position for pushing with a first cam surface (23) against a corresponding edge (15) of the said hole (16) so as to clamp a part (21) of the bracket (11) between the first said cam surface (23) and a facing projecting part (20) of the engaging mechanism. A strip (23) allowing sliding of the cam and pressing against the edge of the hole is arranged between the said first cam surface (23) and the corresponding edge (15) of the hole. Advantageously the bracket may be made as one piece with an aluminium pan.