Removable Handle with Two-Button Rocker System for Low-Force Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable handles for cooking vessels require significant pressing forces to open and close, making them difficult to assemble and disassemble, especially when the side wall thickness varies, which affects ergonomics and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A removable handle design featuring first and second pivoting buttons with short and long lever arms, respectively, that apply distinct forces to move the locking member from a closed to an open position through an unstable equilibrium position, allowing for ergonomic operation by pinching with the thumb and forefinger, and a spring mechanism to adapt to side wall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the handle is designed as a compact assembly with low button stroke, then the handle size is reduced, but the pressing forces required to operate the buttons become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The opening means are divided into two separate buttons instead of one, allowing the total displacement to be distributed across two sequential actions. Each button performs a portion of the total displacement needed to move the lever from closed to open position, reducing the force required for each individual button press while maintaining the compact overall design.
2Strength
If the side wall thickness is increased to maximum allowable, then the structural strength is improved, but the pressure on the buttons necessary to move the lever becomes even greater
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the opening action into two buttons, the force requirement is distributed. The first button initiates the lever movement and the second button completes it, allowing the system to handle maximum side wall thicknesses without requiring excessive force on a single button.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic two-stage activation process where the buttons are pressed sequentially rather than simultaneously. This dynamic approach allows the lever to be moved through its range of motion in two controlled steps, adapting to varying side wall thicknesses while keeping individual button forces manageable.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening means are segmented into two simple buttons rather than one complex mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the user interface and makes the operation more intuitive and easier to perform, while the underlying lever and spring mechanism remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the lever to its closed position after the buttons are pressed, eliminating the need for additional components to reset the system. The two-buttons mechanism itself is simple enough to be operated without guidance, making the system self-service friendly.
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 design significantly reduces the forces needed to open and close the handle, enhancing ergonomics and ease of use, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly with reduced torque requirements and improved maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring intended to adapt the closed position of the movable jaw to several thicknesses of side walls
Implementation Method 2
configured so as to be able to pass from a stable closed position to a stable open position, and vice versa, via an intermediate position of unstable equilibrium
Implementation Method 3
opening means of the movable jaw adapted to drive the lever initially in its closed position beyond its intermediate position of unstable equilibrium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a removable handle (1) intended for engaging with a cooking vessel (60) having a side wall (61), said removable handle (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (3) and including at least one stationary bearing member (12, 14, 15) intended for engaging with the side wall (61) and a locking member (20), movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the removable handle (1) is immobilised on the side wall (61), said removable handle (1) comprising means (30) for moving the locking member (20) configured so as to be able to pass from a stable closed position to a stable open position, and vice-versa, passing through an unstable intermediate equilibrium position, and means (50a, 50b) for opening the locking member (20) suitable for driving the moving means (30) initially in the closed position thereof beyond the unstable intermediate equilibrium position thereof. In accordance with the invention, the opening means comprise first and second buttons (50a, 50b) provided with a short lever arm (52a) and a long lever arm (52b), respectively, said first and second buttons (50a, 50b) pivoting between an inoperative position and an operative position in order to pass the movement means (30) from the closed position thereof beyond the unstable intermediate equilibrium position thereof.