Removable gripping device for ear-shaped holding member of a kitchen utensil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing removable gripping devices for kitchen utensils with ear-shaped holding members experience excessive functional play, leading to a sensation of insecurity and risk of spilling due to the mobility between the device and the utensil, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of retaining pads and elastically deformable stops made from flexible materials within the slit-shaped housing of the gripping device, which adjust to the thickness of the holding member to minimize functional play and provide secure engagement, combined with a latch system for locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the housing in the form of a slit is made with dimensions adapted to accommodate the holding member with functional play, then the gripping device can be removed and installed easily, but excessive functional play causes mobility and sensation of insecurity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installation and removalVSAvoidstability during use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces retaining pads made of flexible material that can deform elastically. These pads are positioned within the slit-shaped housing to contact the holding member, providing a flexible yet stable connection that reduces excessive play while maintaining ease of installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the retaining pads from rigid to flexible, allowing them to deform under stress. This parameter change enables the pads to adapt to the holding member's position, eliminating excessive functional play while preserving the ability to easily install and remove the gripping device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If retaining pads made from flexible material are introduced to reduce functional play, then mobility is reduced and security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during useVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the retaining pads with the protective cover, integrating the stability function into an existing component. This combination reduces device complexity by eliminating separate parts while still providing the necessary reduction of functional play through the flexible material's elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If the gripping device is made from metal material for oven use, then heat resistance is improved, but the gripping surface becomes hot and requires protective elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidhot surface

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the gripping device into two functional parts: a metal case for heat resistance and a protective cover with flexible retaining pads for thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its optimal function - the metal provides oven safety while the protective cover prevents user contact with hot surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining metal and flexible insulating materials. The metal case provides thermal resistance for oven use, while the flexible retaining pads and protective cover provide thermal insulation for user safety, eliminating the need for additional protective elements during handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively reduces perceived mobility and enhances user safety by ensuring a secure grip on the utensil, maintaining necessary functional play for nesting while eliminating excessive movement, thus preventing spills.

Implementation Method 1

at least this pad, in its part at least extending in said housing, being made from a flexible material to retract under stress upon passage of the holding member during the engagement of said device on the latter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastically deformable stops made from flexible materials within the slit-shaped housing of the gripping device, which adjust to the thickness of the holding member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10743716B2Removable gripping device for ear-shaped holding member of a kitchen utensil

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 CRISTEL

AI summary

The removable gripping device for an ear-shaped holding member of a kitchen utensil includes a case with a housing in the form of a slit with a height to at least partially accommodate the latter by nesting and with functional play. The case also has a latch able to occupy at least a locked position and an unlocked position in order, depending on the case, to block or free the removable gripping device on this holding member. In combination with and independently of the locking/unlocking function, at least one retaining pad extends at least partially in the slit-shaped housing so as to define, in the latter, at least one passage section adjusted to the thickness of the holding member. The pad, in its part at least extending in the housing is made from a flexible material to retract under stress.