Tilting Pan Handle Locking Against the Side Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking pans with fixed or removable handles face challenges in storage and handling, as they require significant space when not in use and can be difficult to reattach, leading to inefficiencies in storage and usage.
Innovation Solution
A tilting handle mechanism for cooking pans that projects radially for use but can be folded or down-tilted to adjoin the pan's wall, utilizing a system of slots, pins, and a swinging lever with a spring-actuated detent mechanism to securely lock the handle against the pan's wall, reducing the pan's size and preventing radial projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed radially projecting handle is used, then the pan can be easily and safely gripped during use, but a large space is required for storage and packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to tilt between a radially projecting position during use and a folded position against the pan wall during storage. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by adapting the handle's spatial occupation to the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a two-dimensional radial projection to a three-dimensional folded configuration against the pan's curved surface. By utilizing the axial dimension and conforming to the pan's contour, the handle reduces its radial footprint while maintaining structural integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If a removable handle is used, then the pan can be stored in reduced space, but the handle can be loosened or not quickly recovered from kitchen drawers
Solution Approach 1:
The handle employs a spring-loaded detent mechanism that automatically engages when the handle is inserted, eliminating the need for manual attachment steps. The dynamic spring force ensures quick and secure reattachment, resolving the time loss issue while maintaining the compact storage benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism provides automatic locking upon insertion, making the reattachment process self-actuating. The user simply inserts the handle, and the spring mechanism automatically secures it, eliminating the need for tools or complex assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tilting handle that projects upward in non-use position is used, then the handle can be tilted from radially projecting position, but the storing drawbacks remain as the handle still occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with a tilting mechanism that allows it to pivot between radial and folded positions. In the folded position, the handle conforms to the pan's curved surface rather than projecting upward, dynamically adapting its configuration to minimize storage space while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of projecting upward in the axial direction during storage, the handle folds along the curved surface of the pan, utilizing the radial and tangential dimensions. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the upward projection issue while maintaining the tilting functionality.
4Reliability
If a spring-loaded detent mechanism is used, then the handle can be securely locked in position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete functional elements: the spring component, the detent tooth, and the engagement slot. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The spring provides continuous force, the detent provides positional locking, and the slot guides the engagement.
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 tilting handle allows for compact storage and easy reattachment, minimizing space requirements and ensuring safe handling by eliminating upward projection, thus optimizing storage and usage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
said lever being urged by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting handle for pans is integral with a supporting extension, to which is rotatably coupled a projection rotatable about a horizontal axis, the two sides of the supporting extension and rotary projection including slots therein mutually facing swinging pins arranged along a cross axis of the handle are engaged, the handle including a swinging lever which may swing against an urging spring and comprises a detent tooth engageable with a detent step of the supporting extension.