Slit Whisk Wiper for Cleaning Inner Loop Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utensil cleaning devices are ineffective in removing food stuck to whisk loops, leading to ingredient loss and difficulty in cleaning the complex structure of whisks, as they cannot access the inner surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped whisk wiper with flexible slits forming an asterisk pattern is used to pull over the whisk loops, allowing the sides of the slits to act as opposed squeegees to wipe the loops clean, collecting the mixture on its top side and returning it to the mixing bowl while supporting the whisk and acting as a splash guard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning implements are applied from the outside of the whisk, then the outer surfaces can be cleaned, but the inner surfaces remain inaccessible and cannot be cleaned effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement is inserted through the handle and wires of the whisk, reversing the conventional approach of cleaning from the outside. This allows the cleaning elements to reach the inner surfaces of the loops that are normally inaccessible, effectively cleaning the complex internal structure of the whisk.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning implement is divided into multiple cleaning elements (brushes, squeegees, or cloths) that can be positioned at different locations along the whisk structure. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple surfaces including the inner surfaces of loops, the handle, and the wires.
2Productivity
If the whisk is shaken at high speed to remove stuck mixture, then some mixture can be removed, but the process is inefficient and results in ingredient loss down the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement acts as an intermediary device that captures the mixture from the whisk loops and transfers it to a collection container. This mediator function prevents the mixture from being lost down the drain while still achieving effective cleaning, as the implement both removes the stuck mixture and directs it for recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The stuck mixture that would normally be considered waste and cause cleaning difficulty is converted into a recoverable resource. The cleaning implement captures this mixture and directs it into a collection container, transforming what would be ingredient loss into a beneficial recovery process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the whisk loops are allowed to rest on the surface, then the whisk is stable, but the loops come into contact with counter tops creating unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The handle end is shaped to replicate the functional characteristics of a stand or support structure. By designing the handle end with a specific geometry that mimics the support function of a dedicated stand, the whisk can be stored upright on various surfaces without the loops contacting the surface, maintaining both stability and sanitation.
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
Effectively cleans whisk loops, prevents ingredient loss, supports the whisk to keep it off surfaces, and acts as a splash guard during mixing, allowing for efficient cleaning and sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
A disk-shaped whisk wiper with flexible slits forming an asterisk pattern is used to pull over the whisk loops
Data Source
AI summary
A whisk wiper, a device having a plurality of intersecting slits angularly disposed in an asterisk type pattern, is mounted onto a whisk. It is pulled down over the loops 44, each loop 44 guided through a slit 32. To clean off mixture 50 stuck to the whisk 46 the whisk wiper 30 is simply pulled off, the opposed edges of each slit 32 wiping the loops 44 clean. An absorbent whisk wiper 94 can also be used to scrub a whisk with deep slits 84 and compressed zig zag slit 106. The whisk wiper 90 can be configured to be turned inside out to allow the slits 84 to be easily cleaned. The slits can be extended to create a compressed slit 98 which can be further configured with zig zag 102 or ribbed 100 sides to enhance the cleaning action.