Partitioned tableware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional partitioned tableware limits food handling for individuals with dexterity or mobility impairments, trapping cut food items and requiring two hands, leading to hygiene issues and limited meal choices.
Innovation Solution
A partitioned tableware design with vertical walls, partitioning members, and a lip for cutlery support, allowing one-handed chopping and scooping, and featuring notches for guidance and a slip-proof base for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional L-shaped partition is used to divide the plate into two areas, then chopping functionality is provided, but cleaning the corner becomes difficult posing hygienic issues
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the partition into separate spaced-apart members, the design eliminates hard-to-reach corner areas where food particles could accumulate. The segmented structure creates open compartments that are easily accessible to cleaning tools, maintaining hygiene while preserving chopping capability.
2Ease of operation
If the partition divides the plate into two areas, then chopping is enabled, but the sizes of food items that can be chopped are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spaced-apart partitioning members create multiple compartments of varying sizes, allowing the tableware to accommodate different food item sizes. Larger items can be placed in larger compartments while still maintaining contact with the partitions for effective chopping.
3Ease of operation
If specialized cutlery is used by people with dexterity impairments, then independent eating is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tableware structure itself provides the support and guidance functions that would otherwise require specialized cutlery. The vertical partitions and spaced configuration enable users with dexterity impairments to chop and scoop food using standard utensils, eliminating the need for complex specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A partitioned tableware including abase (1), a wall (2) extending from the base (1) defining a first space gap (3), the wall (2) has a lower edge (20) and an upper edge (21), the lower edge (20) being tangent to the base (1), a lip (4) extending radially outwardly from the wall (2), and a first partitioning member (5) and a second partitioning member (6) with a second space gap (7) between them.