Rotatable Cooking Utensil Handle With Secure Storage Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking utensils with radially extending handles lack efficient storage solutions, often requiring multiple movements and risking accidental pivoting during cooking or storage.
Innovation Solution
A cooking utensil with a reconfigurable handle that rotates between a cooking position and a storage position using a unique single-action motion, featuring a mounting bracket and locking mechanism that securely locks the handle in either position, preventing accidental pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle extends radially from the cooking body, then it provides stable handling during cooking, but it occupies excessive storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to rotate between a radial cooking position and a parallel storage position. The rotation axis is positioned to enable the handle to follow the contour of the cooking body, transforming the handle from a fixed radial extension to a movable component that adapts its position based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of simply folding the handle in place, the invention utilizes rotational movement around a strategically positioned axis that allows the handle to move into a third dimensional space along the contour of the cooking body. This rotational approach, rather than simple folding, enables compact storage while maintaining handling stability when extended.
2Volume of moving object
If the handle is made rotatable to enable compact storage, then storage space is reduced, but the handle may accidentally pivot during cooking or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates a self-latching mechanism that automatically engages to secure the handle in its desired position, whether cooking or storage. The mounting bracket and handle design include complementary features that automatically lock together, eliminating the need for separate locking actions and preventing accidental pivoting through self-securing engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a distinct mechanical feature within the mounting bracket assembly, separate from the rotation mechanism itself. This dedicated locking component ensures position stability without interfering with the rotational movement needed for position changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional handle designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but multiple movements are required to achieve storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotation mechanism and storage positioning function into a single integrated action. By positioning the rotation axis appropriately and designing the handle-contour following path, the handle achieves both its position change and storage configuration in one continuous rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate folding or positioning steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking utensil with a reconfigurable handle is described. The cooking utensil can include a cooking body having an outer wall; a mounting bracket attached to the outer wall; and a handle rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket. The handle can be coupled to the mounting bracket in a manner that the handle can be rotated between a cooking position where the handle extends in a radial direction from the outer wall and a storage position where the handle follows at least a portion of said outer wall.