Telescopic Chopstick Leaf-Spring Release for Easy Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic chopsticks are difficult to disassemble for washing due to inflexible protuberances, requiring additional tools and increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic chopstick design featuring a hollow upper section with a leaf spring press member that allows easy disengagement of the lower section for washing, using a press button and leaf spring mechanism to simplify disassembly and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If inflexible protuberances are used to locate the lower section, then the chopstick maintains structural stability, but it becomes difficult to disassemble for washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static inflexible protuberances with a dynamic press member system including a leaf spring and press button. The leaf spring can be compressed by the press button to temporarily disengage from the lower section, enabling easy disassembly for washing while maintaining structural stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The press member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the lower section. By pressing the press button, the user activates the press member to release the lower section, providing a convenient intermediate step for disassembly without requiring external tools.
2Reliability
If inflexible protuberances are formed on the upper section, then the lower section is securely located, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locating function into separate components: the lower protuberances on the upper section and the corresponding recesses on the lower section. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simpler processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure location reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The press member with leaf spring is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach reduces the cost and complexity of the overall manufacturing process compared to creating complex integrated protuberance structures.
3Strength
If the lower section is tightly engaged with the upper section, then the chopstick maintains structural integrity, but it cannot be easily removed for washing
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between lower and upper sections is made dynamic through the press member mechanism. During normal use, the leaf spring maintains tight engagement for structural integrity. When the press button is pressed, the leaf spring compresses and releases the lower section, enabling easy removal for washing without compromising structural strength during use.
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
Facilitates easy disassembly and reassembly of the chopstick for washing while reducing manufacturing costs through a simpler and more efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring integrally extending from a bottom end of the press member, whereby when the lower section is retracted into the upper section, the leaf spring resiliently abuts against and engages with a lateral wall of the connecting section of the lower section
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic chopstick including an upper section, a lower section and a press member. The upper section is a hollow rod formed with an upper opening and a lower opening. A locating section is formed on an inner side of the upper section. The lower section has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has a peripheral length larger than a peripheral length of the lower end. The upper end of the lower section has a connecting section for engaging with the lower end of the upper section. The press member is fitted in the upper opening of the upper section and located by the locating section of the upper section. A leaf spring integrally extends from a bottom end of the press member. When the lower section is retracted into the upper section, the leaf spring resiliently abuts against and engages with a lateral wall of the connecting section of the lower section. The lower section can be easily taken out from the upper opening of the upper section for washing.