Removable Pan Grip With One-Piece Shell Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for handling cooking utensils are complex and costly to produce due to their numerous parts, requiring tools for assembly, making them expensive and time-consuming to manufacture on an industrial scale.
Innovation Solution
A simplified gripping device with a one-piece shell and reduced number of parts, featuring a pivoting locking plate with an elastic return mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and manufacturing, and eliminating the need for screws or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional gripping device with multiple parts and screws is used, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (shell parts, locking mechanism, screws) into an integrated one-piece shell structure. The locking device is incorporated directly into the shell body, eliminating the need for separate assembly parts and fasteners, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the locking mechanism, and acts as the gripping body. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device
2Reliability
If a traditional gripping device requiring screw assembly is used, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the locking mechanism and shell into a single integrated component, the assembly process is simplified from multiple steps (assembling shell parts, inserting screws, securing locking mechanism) to a single-step insertion process, dramatically increasing manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-contained within the one-piece shell, requiring no external tools or additional assembly steps. The spring-loaded plate automatically engages with the ear slot, providing self-service locking functionality
3Reliability
If a traditional gripping device with multiple parts is used, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple components into a single molded part reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating the need for separate production, inventory management, and assembly operations for each component, while the spring-loaded locking mechanism maintains reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes from a multi-component system to a single-piece molded structure, fundamentally altering the manufacturing parameters from assembly-based production to injection molding or similar single-step manufacturing processes, reducing overall cost
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 reduces the risk of unwanted release, simplifies assembly, and significantly lowers manufacturing time and costs by minimizing the number of parts to three: a one-piece shell, a pivoting plate, and a spring, facilitating efficient and cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
The locking means also comprises an elastic return means tending to bring or maintain the plate in the locking position. The elastic return means is for example a spring positioned between a top face of the plate and an upper wall of the shell.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a removable gripping device for holding cooking utensils, said device comprising at least one gripping lug (10) containing a channel (13) that is essentially parallel to an inner edge (11) of said lug (10). Said device also comprises a shell (20) containing an inner cavity (21) that ends laterally in an oblong opening (23) on a front surface (22) of the shell (20), said inner cavity (21) being designed to receive the lug (10) when the lug is introduced via the oblong opening (23). Said gripping device further comprises a locking means (60) housed inside a clearance area (40) created in the shell (20), said clearance area being at least partially closed at the top thereof, and said locking means (60) being designed to co-operate with the channel (13) of the lug (10) when said lug is received in the inner cavity (21). According to the invention, the shell (20) is made of a single component.