Spatula Handle Indentation for Haptic Orientation in Mixing Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatulas lack effective means to provide haptic feedback for the user regarding the spatial orientation and position of the working part, especially when used in enclosed spaces like mixing vessels, and do not efficiently measure or add small amounts of ingredients.
Innovation Solution
The spatula design features handle indentations that provide haptic feedback on the spatial orientation and position, with a channel-like tapering section on the working part for measuring and adding ingredients, and a shield to prevent food from splashing, while the material areas with different moduli of elasticity enhance flexibility and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spatula is used in enclosed spaces like mixing vessels, then the working part can reach the food, but the user cannot visually determine the spatial orientation and position of the working part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces haptic feedback through handle indentations that provide tactile information about the spatial orientation of the working part. When the user rotates the spatula, the handle indentation changes orientation, allowing the user to感知 the angular position of the working part without visual feedback. This resolves the contradiction by providing alternative feedback (haptic) when visual feedback is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle indentation acts as an intermediary that transmits information about the working part's orientation to the user's hand. The indentation's spatial orientation on the handle provides indirect information about the working part's orientation, enabling the user to control the working part's position through haptic feedback from the handle rather than direct visual observation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working part has a large opening for reaching food, then the spatula can access enclosed spaces, but it cannot precisely measure or add small amounts of ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The working part is segmented into multiple functional zones: a large opening area for reaching and scraping food from enclosed spaces, and a channel-like tapering section with reduced width for precise measurement and addition of small amounts of ingredients. This segmentation allows the spatula to perform both functions (versatility) while maintaining precision in the measurement zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the working part have different geometric properties: the main body has a large opening for accessibility, while the channel-like tapering section has a narrower width for precision measurement. This local differentiation of geometric quality enables the spatula to achieve both versatility and measurement precision in different zones.
3Ease of operation
If the spatula has a rigid structure for stability, then it maintains shape during use, but it cannot flex to clean the inner vessel walls effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The spatula transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic structure with controlled flexibility. The working part is designed to bend and flex when contacting the inner vessel walls, enabling effective cleaning, while the handle remains relatively rigid for stable user control. This dynamic adaptation of rigidity allows the spatula to maintain structural stability where needed while providing flexibility for cleaning operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a spatula (1), in particular for kitchen utensils, having a handle part (2) and a working part (3) with two opposite sides (4) of the working part in relation to a longitudinal axis (13) of the spatula (1). In order to specify a spatula that provides a high level of utility when used in the kitchen area, it is proposed that a working indentation (6) is formed on both sides of the working part (4) and that the handle part (2) has at least one handle indentation (8) whose Opening edges (16) span a plane, with a surface normal of this plane pointing in relation to the longitudinal extension of the spatula (1) essentially in the same radial direction as a surface normal of a plane which is spanned by opening edges (17) of a working indentation (6). .