Spring-Elastic Fork Element for Wobble-Free Cookware Handle Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching handles to cooking or frying pans face challenges in ensuring a secure, wobble-free connection under dynamic loads, with existing solutions either being difficult to operate with one hand or failing to maintain stability during use.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a spring-elastic fork element with a curved and straight section, where the fork element is inserted into a window-like recess on the handle, providing a secure and durable connection without play, and a two-piece actuating and latching element design for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the handle has a recess whose geometric shape essentially corresponds to the cross-section of the support element to ensure a wobble-free fit, then the connection stability is improved, but the operation difficulty increases due to extremely precise manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the recess and support element to include inclined contact surfaces and rounded corners, transforming the fit mechanism from relying on precise dimensional matching to relying on geometric configuration that guides self-centering and accommodates manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess and support element are designed to automatically self-center during assembly through their geometric configuration, eliminating the need for extremely precise manufacturing and manual alignment, thereby reducing operation difficulty while maintaining connection stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact surfaces of the support element and recess are positioned at an inclined angle to ensure a wobble-free fit with larger manufacturing tolerances, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a spring element that dynamically adjusts the connection under varying loads. The spring maintains constant contact pressure between the handle and support element, compensating for load variations and preventing loosening during dynamic use while allowing larger manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded to exert a preliminary forcing action that pushes the handle firmly against the support element's inclined surfaces, ensuring stable contact and preventing loosening before dynamic loads are applied.
3Ease of operation
If a spring element is integrated into the handle to facilitate easy removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates due to loosening under use stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides dynamic adaptation by maintaining constant contact force under varying loads. During use, the spring continuously pushes the handle against the support element, compensating for loosening tendencies. During removal, the spring's elasticity facilitates easy detachment when the locking mechanism is released.
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
Enables ergonomic one-handed operation with a safe, durable, and wobble-free connection under changing loads, ensuring long-term stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the fork element is made of a spring-elastic material. In the operating position, such a spring-elastic fork element bears against the contact surfaces and, due to its spring-elastic properties, clamps the system in such a way that any wobbling of the handle is prevented.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for attaching a handle (01) to a cooking or roasting vessel (02) with a support part (03) projecting outwards from the vessel wall and the handle (01) detachably attachable to the support part, wherein the handle (01) has an end face recess (06) with which it can be attached to the support part (03), and wherein a spring element (12) is held in the recess (06) of the handle (01), and wherein, when the handle (01) is attached to the support part (03), the spring element (12) acts on a locking element (08) of the handle (01) which can be snapped into place with the support part (03), and wherein an actuating element (10) is provided on the handle (01), and wherein the spring element (12) can be actuated by means of the actuating element (10).wherein the support part (03) has a window-like recess (11) in its base and a fork element (07) is clamped in the recess (06) of the handle (01) on the surface which is parallel to the base in the operating position, wherein the fork element (07) is made of spring-elastic material, and wherein the spring-elastically pre-tensioned fork element (07) is supported on a bearing surface in the operating position.