Press-Fit Ring Holder for In-Jar Knife Storage and Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling food, such as making sandwiches, require frequent retrieval and washing of knives from a drawer, leading to an inefficient process.

Innovation Solution

A ring with a sleeve is integrated into a jar to hold a knife, allowing it to be stored within the jar, with a 90-degree bent handle for easy grasping and a design that prevents the knife from touching the jar bottom, enabling convenient storage and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the knife is stored in a drawer, then the knife is easily accessible, but the process of assembling food becomes inefficient due to frequent retrieval and washing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood assembly efficiencyVSAvoidknife accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the knife storage function with the food jar by integrating a knife holder directly into the jar structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate drawer storage and reduces the steps involved in food assembly, directly improving productivity while maintaining ease of access to the knife.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The knife is nested within the jar structure through an integrated holder that fits inside the jar. This nesting approach allows the knife to be stored within the food container itself, reducing the number of separate storage locations needed and streamlining the food preparation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the knife is kept inside the jar, then the food assembly process is streamlined, but the knife may touch the jar bottom causing contamination or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood assembly efficiencyVSAvoidknife cleanliness and integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the knife holder) between the knife and the jar bottom. This holder elevates the knife off the jar bottom, preventing direct contact that could cause contamination or damage, while still allowing the knife to be securely stored within the jar for efficient food assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a simple ring structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the knife may not be securely held in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder structure simplicityVSAvoidknife holding security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding specific functional features (such as ridges, grooves, or textured surfaces) to specific locations on the simple ring structure. These localized modifications provide secure knife retention through friction or mechanical interlocking, while the overall structure remains simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11647853B1Ring for holding knife inside jar

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 NEWLAND RYAN P

AI summary

A ring for holding a handheld spreader of a container for holding spreadable food is shaped to be press fit into a top mouth opening of an inside surface of the container. A holder is formed on an inner surface of the right and having at least a top slit opening sized to receive the handheld spreader of a substantially flat shape. The handheld spreader has a bent handle area bent approximately ninety degrees on an end and a spreading surface on an opposing end.