Plate and Cup Frame Assembly for One-Handed Balanced Dining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacle plate and cup assemblies either compromise balance and support when trying to drink or reduce food area, as they require releasing the cup with the support hand or use thumb support that leads to hand fatigue and decreased food area over time.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle plate and cup assembly design that allows users to balance the frame using their forearm and middle finger, with a detachable cup holder accommodating various cup sizes and shapes, enabling one hand to be free for eating or drinking, and can be made from disposable or reusable materials like cardboard, plastic, or metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user uses the support hand to hold the cup, then the cup is supported, but the user must release the cup to drink, losing balance and support
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the forearm (which maintains continuous support) and the free hand (which can temporarily release the cup for drinking). The finger hole provides additional segmentation by allowing finger insertion for enhanced stability during the drinking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional hand-cup contact to a three-dimensional configuration involving the forearm, finger hole, and cup holder working together in space, allowing the cup to be accessed from above while maintaining lateral support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cup support member is added to the plate, then cup holding is enabled, but the food area of the plate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the cup holder occupies a specific peripheral area while the central and remaining portions are dedicated to food placement, allowing both functions to coexist without excessive overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder is extracted as a separate functional element positioned at the periphery of the plate, rather than integrated into the central food area, thereby minimizing the impact on available food space.
3Ease of operation
If the thumb support is used for extended periods, then initial support is provided, but the hand becomes tired and support decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is divided between the forearm (providing sustained support through its larger surface area and stronger musculature) and the hand (which can rest or adjust periodically), distributing the load to prevent fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The forearm and finger hole work together as a combined support system, where the forearm provides the primary support base and the finger insertion into the hole provides additional stabilizing force, creating a more durable support mechanism than hand-only designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An eating receptacle frame that incorporates a plate and cup assembly which can accept large or small diameter cup sizes into the inserted cup hole. The receptacle plate and cup assembly also incorporates a middle finger hole for balance of the receptacle plate and cup assembly. The cup hole diameter can be increased by detaching a perforated section of the cup holder's outer hole diameter for a larger size cup and parallel dotted lines that can be cut out to enable stemmed glasses to be held. (2) A reusable frame with overlapping tongues or any supporting device that will hold a disposable plate. The molded plate cup assembly has a flexible hole reducer that will attach to the rim of the cup holder decreasing the diameter for the insertion of a smaller cup.