Detachable Spoon Handle Locking With Magnetic-Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic coupling in existing luxury table cutlery is insufficient to withstand high stress, leading to potential separation of the handle from the functional end piece, which is unacceptable for premium products.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical coupling system using radial peripheral protrusions and axial grooves, combined with magnetic attraction, ensures secure attachment of the handle and functional end piece, providing enhanced stability and resistance to accidental separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic coupling is used to attach the handle and functional end piece, then the utensil can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the coupling strength is insufficient under high stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic coupling and mechanical coupling systems to work together. The magnetic elements provide initial attraction and ease of assembly, while the mechanical elements (protrusions and grooves) provide structural strength and prevent separation under stress. This hybrid approach merges the advantages of both coupling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system uses a composite approach by integrating two different coupling mechanisms (magnetic and mechanical) into a unified system. The magnetic field and mechanical interlocking work synergistically to achieve both ease of operation and high coupling strength.
2Device complexity
If magnetic coupling alone is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of connection fails under excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic coupling and mechanical coupling systems to work together. The magnetic elements provide initial attraction and ease of assembly, while the mechanical elements (protrusions and grooves) provide structural strength and prevent separation under stress. This hybrid approach merges the advantages of both coupling methods.
3Strength
If mechanical coupling with protrusions and grooves is added to magnetic coupling, then coupling strength increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: magnetic elements for attraction and alignment, protrusions for mechanical interlocking, and grooves for receiving and positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
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 mechanical coupling system effectively prevents accidental separation of the handle and functional end piece, ensuring foolproof resistance and maintaining the integrity of luxury table cutlery under various stress conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the binding force of the two constituent elements is essentially obtained by the magnetic attraction of two magnets which are embedded respectively in each of these two elements
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held utensil in the form of a cutlery component and, more specifically, in the form of a spoon (10). The spoon comprises a functional end part (11) and a removable handle (12). The aforementioned elements are provided with complementary engagement members that can be used to couple the elements to one another in a detachable manner. For this purpose, the end part (11) is provided with an end fitting (13) and the handle (12) is provided with a socket (14) arranged to receive the end fitting (13). In addition, a shaft (15) disposed on the end fitting (13) co-operates with an axial groove (22) provided in the socket (14) and arranged to receive and lock said shaft (15) in order to form a locking device. Moreover, the socket (14) is provided with a magnet (34) and the end fitting (13) is provided with a magnet (33) in order to complete and reinforce the assembly of the functional end part (11) and the handle (12).