Removable Utensil Grip With One-Piece Locking Shell
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable holding devices for cooking utensils are complex to produce and require multiple parts, necessitating tools for assembly, making industrial-scale production costly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified holding device with a one-piece shell and reduced number of elements, featuring a pivoting plate with elastic return means for locking, which eliminates the need for screws and tools, facilitating easy assembly and reducing manufacturing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with multiple parts and screws is used, then the reliability of preventing unintended separation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (shell, locking device, pivot bearings) into a single integrated shell structure. The locking device is positioned within the shell's clearance chamber, and pivot bearings are formed by grooves directly in the shell, eliminating the need for separate housing structures and reducing part count while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural housing, contains the locking device, forms pivot bearings through grooves, and prevents accidental activation by limiting clearance chamber access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If a locking device with multiple parts is used, then the reliability of preventing unintended separation is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed as a single piece that integrates the housing, locking device mounting, and pivot bearing formation. This eliminates the need to assemble multiple shell halves with screws, allowing the entire structure to be manufactured in one operation and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell's grooves automatically form pivot bearings when the shell is manufactured, eliminating the need for separate bearing installation. The locking device is self-contained within the clearance chamber, requiring no external tools for assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the clearance chamber is open, then the ease of operation for accessing locking means is improved, but the risk of accidental pressing and unintended detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance chamber has differentiated access: it is partially closed at the top to prevent accidental pressing from above, while maintaining accessibility from other directions for intentional operation. This localized quality control allows selective access based on operational intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial closure of the clearance chamber top proactively prevents accidental pressing before it can occur, while still allowing deliberate access to the locking means when needed. The design anticipates and prevents the harmful action while preserving useful operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece shell is used, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the adaptability for complex locking mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the clearance chamber of the one-piece shell, and the pivot plate is nested within the clearance chamber with the locking device. This nesting arrangement allows complex multi-component mechanisms to be contained within a simple one-piece housing, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling sophisticated locking functionality.
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 solution results in a cost-effective, easy-to-assemble holding device that minimizes the risk of unintended detachment and reduces production costs while ensuring safe handling of hot cooking utensils.
Implementation Method 1
The locking means also comprise elastic return means tending to move the plate to or retain it in the locking position
Implementation Method 2
The elastic return means consist, for example, of a spring positioned between a top face of the plate and an upper wall of the shell
Data Source
AI summary
A removable holding device for manipulating a cooking utensils has a shell having an internal cavity that opens laterally on a front face thereof via an oblong orifice. The internal cavity is adapted to receive a lug of the cooking utensil when the lug is inserted through the oblong orifice. A locking mechanism is received within a clearance chamber in the shell that is at least partially closed. The locking mechanism cooperates with an opening in the lug when the lug is received in the internal cavity. The shell is a single piece.