Removable Pan Handle Latch Geometry to Eliminate Locking Play
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen utensils with removable handles experience functional play between the handle and retaining bracket, leading to insecurity and difficulty in locking and unlocking, particularly due to the need for a deformable silicone pellet that requires additional pressure and can cause tilting of the container.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen utensil design where the latch on the handle is mounted at an acute angle relative to the retaining bracket, allowing it to tighten directly under elastic return means without additional force, and incorporating a deformable damping element to absorb functional play between the hook-shaped end and the opening, eliminating the need for a pre-stressed deformable member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable silicone pellet is inserted between the latching tab and retaining bracket to absorb functional play, then the play is reduced, but additional pressure is required for locking and the container may tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the latch mounting, specifically orienting it at an acute angle (between 15-75 degrees) relative to the retaining bracket. This angular parameter change allows the latch to engage the bracket more effectively, reducing play without requiring additional force or deformable elements that could cause tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect by mounting the latch at an angle rather than parallel to the retaining bracket. This angular dimension enables the latch to tighten directly onto the bracket, converting the locking action from a linear pressing motion to an angular tightening motion that eliminates play more efficiently.
2Device complexity
If the latch is mounted parallel to the retaining bracket, then the structure is simple, but functional play remains causing insecurity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mounting angle parameter of the latch from parallel (0 degrees) to an acute angle (15-75 degrees). This parameter change maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving locking security by enabling the latch to tighten directly onto the retaining bracket, eliminating functional play.
3Reliability
If a pre-stressed deformable member is used to eliminate play, then locking security improves, but the device requires additional force and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a deformable member, the patent changes the mounting angle parameter of the existing latch. This parameter change eliminates the need for additional deformable elements, maintaining device simplicity while achieving reliable locking through the angular tightening action on the retaining bracket.
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
This design eliminates play between the handle and container, ensuring secure locking without additional force and easy unlocking, while preventing tilting and spilling risks.
Implementation Method 1
pushed back under the action of return means
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a deformable damping element to absorb functional play
Data Source
AI summary
The kitchen utensil includes a container and a handle. The outer upper perimeter of the container bears an extending retaining bracket provided with at least one opening for the engagement and reception of a hook-shaped end of a latching tab of the handle. The handle also bears a latch mounted slidingly and able to occupy at least an unlocked position and a locked position in which it is pushed back under the action of a return, to extend, on the opposite side relative to the latching tab, under the retaining bracket of the container. The latch is mounted sliding on the handle in a direction forming an acute angle relative to the plane of the retaining bracket so as to tighten toward the retaining bracket under the action of the return to the locked position.