Removable Handle Clamping Mechanism for Low-Force Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable handles for cooking utensils require significant force to uncouple due to friction, leading to incomplete immobilization along the transverse axis, compromising ergonomics and safety.
Innovation Solution
A removable handle design featuring a movable pinching member that exerts force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, combined with a cam mechanism for easy locking and unlocking, allowing for secure attachment and detachment with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking device with a movable lock is used to allow easy uncoupling of the handle, then the handle can be easily separated from the cooking utensil when heated, but significant force is required to operate the locking button due to friction between the lock and handle
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the locking button and the handle. The cam converts the linear motion of the button into rotational motion, creating a mechanical advantage that reduces the force required to overcome friction and engage/disengage the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static friction-based system to a dynamic cam-based system. The cam's rotational motion creates varying contact forces that facilitate easier engagement and disengagement of the handle while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
2Ease of operation
If substantial mechanical clearance is provided between the lock and handle to reduce operating force, then the bolt can move more freely, but perfect immobilization of the handle is no longer achieved, particularly along the transverse axis
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from one-dimensional linear clearance to two-dimensional cam surface contact. The cam mechanism provides clearance in the linear motion direction while maintaining contact and control through rotational surface contact, achieving both ease of operation and reliable immobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic cam surface contact to maintain immobilization while allowing controlled motion. The cam's rotating surface provides continuous contact that adapts to the locking state, ensuring firm immobilization when locked while permitting smooth transition when unlocking.
3Reliability
If the lock is designed to firmly secure the handle to the cooking utensil, then perfect immobilization is achieved, but significant force is required to operate the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism creates a dynamic locking system where the contact force varies during operation. During engagement, the cam's geometry provides mechanical advantage to overcome friction, while in the locked state, the same mechanism maintains firm immobilization through sustained contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam's curved surface geometry provides the mechanical advantage needed to reduce operating force. The curved profile converts small linear button movements into effective rotational motion that overcomes friction while maintaining secure locking pressure when engaged.
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
Enhances ergonomics and user safety by eliminating vertical play and allowing easy handling with reduced manual effort, while maintaining secure attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the pinching member is formed by a cam that rotates relative to the lock about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
the force to be applied by the user to the operating button to move the lock is significant, due to the friction of the lock on the handle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention concerns a removable handle (1), intended to engage with a culinary article (2) comprising at least one outwardly curved shank (21) in which an opening (22) is provided, said removable handle (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (13) and comprising, at one end, a nose (12) capable of being inserted into said opening (22), said nose (12) being provided with a lower bearing wall (16) for engaging with an upper face (26) of the shank (21), said handle (1) comprising a locking device comprising a latch (31) that is movable between a first so-called coupled position in which the handle (1) is assembled to the shank (21) and a second so-called uncoupled position in which the handle (1) can be disassembled from the shank (21). According to the invention, the latch (31) comprises a clamping member (38) for clamping the shank (21), that is movable between a release position of the shank (21) occupied when the latch (31) is in the uncoupled position and a locking position of the shank (21) occupied when the latch (31) is in the coupled position and, in the locking position, the clamping member (38) exerts a force on the shank (21) to press it against the lower bearing wall (16) along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (13).