Adjustable rotating assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating food serving systems occupy excessive table or counter space and are difficult to adjust, as multiple trays at one height consume space and fixing trays to columns makes adjustment impossible.
Innovation Solution
The system employs cantilevered support brackets with male/female attachment features that attach to a rotating column, allowing for easy adjustment and attachment of modular accessories at various heights or tiers, using materials like stainless steel or aluminum for the base and column, and plastic for brackets, with sliding attachments for accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple trays are attached at one height on a rotating column, then the food serving system can hold more food items, but it occupies excessive table or counter space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of trays to vertical stacking arrangement. Multiple trays are attached at different heights on the rotating column, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint on the table surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested stacking where multiple trays are vertically arranged one above another on the rotating column. This nesting approach allows multiple food serving levels to occupy the same vertical column space, maximizing the use of vertical space while minimizing table area consumption.
2Reliability
If trays are fixed to brackets that attach to the column, then the trays are securely attached, but adjusting the assembly becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable brackets with sliding mechanisms that allow the attachment position to be dynamically changed. The brackets can be moved vertically along the rotating column and secured at different heights, providing both secure attachment when fixed and ease of adjustment when repositioning is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the attachment system into separable components: adjustable brackets that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each bracket to be adjusted and locked at specific positions, maintaining secure attachment while enabling easy reconfiguration of the tray arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for storage, display, and serving includes accessories attached to a rotating column. The column is supported by a base, which has a turntable bearing. The stationary ring of the bearing rests on a surface, while the rotating ring is attached to the base and allows the assembly to rotate. The accessories can attach directly to the column, or they can slide onto a bracket which attaches to the column. The accessories may comprise platforms for serving, mug holders, coffee cup holders, storage containers, or various other kitchen accessories.