Pivoting Pot Utensil Holder for Drip Containment and Cool Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Household utensils often require additional washing due to drippings on counters or utensil rests, and their handles can become uncomfortably hot or fall into pots if not properly secured during cooking.
Innovation Solution
A utensil holder with a pivotally attached handle that can be rotated to position inside a pot, providing a grip for the pot while supporting utensils, and featuring locking mechanisms and stoppers to prevent uncoupling, allowing for multiple configurations to manage utensil placement and prevent drippings from falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the utensil handle is leaned against the inside wall of the pot, then the washing frequency is reduced, but the handle becomes uncomfortably hot to handle
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive rod or stick is inserted through the pot wall to serve as an intermediary support for the utensil handle. This intermediary element allows the handle to be supported inside the pot without direct contact between the user's hand and the hot pot wall, thus reducing washing frequency while preventing excessive heat transfer to the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate components: the pot wall, a removable rod or stick, and the utensil handle. This segmentation allows the rod to be positioned optimally for support while maintaining thermal isolation from the handle, enabling the handle to be held inside the pot without becoming too hot to touch.
2Ease of operation
If the utensil handle is not long enough to lean against the pot wall, then the handle remains accessible, but the utensil may fall into the pot
Solution Approach 1:
A rod or stick inserted through the pot wall acts as an intermediary support structure that extends into the pot interior. This intermediary element provides a reliable support point for the utensil handle, preventing it from falling into the pot while maintaining adequate handle length for user accessibility and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional surface support (leaning on the pot wall) to a three-dimensional point support (inserted rod providing internal support). This dimensional change allows the utensil to be supported from within the pot volume, improving stability without requiring excessive handle length.
3Reliability
If a utensil holder is attached to the pot, then utensil placement is secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod or stick serves multiple functions: it acts as a support for the utensil handle, provides structural attachment between the pot and holder components, and can be removed or adjusted as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable utensil placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil holder incorporates movable or adjustable components that can be positioned as needed. The rod can be inserted or removed, and the holder may allow for adjustment of utensil position, providing dynamic adaptability rather than a fixed complex structure. This dynamic design maintains reliability while minimizing permanent complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a pot with a sleeve attached to an outside portion of the pot, and a utensil holder coupled to the pot. The utensil holder includes an arm disposed through the sleeve and a handle pivotally attached to the arm, such that the handle can be rotated relative to the arm to position a portion of the handle inside the pot. The utensil holder can be configured at least in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the handle is positioned outside the pot to enable the handle to be used as a grip for the pot, and in the second configuration, the portion of the handle is positioned inside the pot to enable the handle to support an object over the pot. In some embodiments, the handle may be attached to the arm with a hinge.