Splatter screen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splatter screens have long handles that make them bulky and difficult to store, and they cannot stand upright to prevent liquids from dripping onto countertops.

Innovation Solution

A splatter screen with a handle pivotally attached to the frame, allowing it to be collapsed for storage and extended for use, and featuring feet for upright support on a countertop, enabling the screen to rest at an angle and prevent dripping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a long handle is used on the splatter screen, then it is easier to grasp and use, but it increases bulk and makes storage difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of graspingVSAvoidbulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is made pivotally mounted to the frame, allowing it to be dynamic rather than fixed. This enables the handle to be extended when needed for grasping and collapsed when storage space is limited, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and storage bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the splatter screen is designed to stand upright, then it prevents liquids from dripping onto countertops, but it requires additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid drippingVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle serves multiple functions: it provides grasping capability when extended, and acts as a support structure for upright positioning when the screen is stored vertically. The feet provide both stability when upright and support the screen in stored positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of the handle base and feet enables the screen to support itself in an upright position without requiring external stands or additional support structures. The screen is self-sufficient in maintaining its upright orientation through its own integrated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the handle is collapsed for storage, then storage space is reduced, but it may affect the stability when positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The feet act as intermediary support elements that maintain stability when the handle is collapsed. Instead of relying solely on the handle for support, the feet provide additional contact points with the surface, ensuring the screen remains stable even in its collapsed storage configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10631684B2Splatter screen

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

AI summary

A splatter screen includes a splatter screen frame and a mesh secured to the frame. A handle is mounted to the frame for pivotal movement so that it is positionable between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for grasping. The handle includes a handle base, enabling the screen to rest upright on a countertop and to be supported by the handle base and the frame.