Adjustable Temperature Regulation Device for Variable Food Pan Depths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional food service equipment is limited in accommodating food pans of varying depths, requiring separate setups for different pan sizes, which is inefficient and inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A temperature regulation device with a housing that includes adjustable positioning mechanisms, allowing the device to support food pans of different depths by changing the distance between its top and bottom surfaces through various configurations, such as recesses and catches or threaded portions, enabling it to fit within a well of food service equipment for effective temperature maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional food service equipment is designed to support one specific depth of food pan, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate food pans with varying depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different food pan depthsVSAvoidstructure complexity of adjustable positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow it to be dynamically repositioned between multiple fixed positions. The first and second support surfaces can be selectively engaged with different ledges in the well, enabling the housing to adapt its vertical position according to the food pan depth being used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism is segmented into discrete support surfaces and corresponding ledges. The first support surface is spaced apart from the top surface by a first dimension, and the second support surface is spaced apart by a second dimension, creating distinct adjustable positions that correspond to different food pan depths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional food service equipment uses a fixed positioning structure, then the device is easy to manufacture and maintain, but it requires separate setups for different food pan sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility to use multiple food pan depthsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of adjustable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature regulation device is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate multiple food pan depths within a single setup. The housing can be positioned at different vertical levels by engaging different support surfaces with corresponding ledges, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable positioning mechanism uses a nested structure where support surfaces are integrated into the housing and can be selectively engaged with ledges in the well. The first and second support surfaces are positioned at different vertical locations, allowing the mechanism to nest into different positions within the same well structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11399656B2Temperature regulation device

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 VOLLRATH

AI summary

A temperature regulation device for positioning in a well of food service equipment, the temperature regulation device including a housing and a support coupled to the housing. The housing includes a top surface and a bottom surface and the support includes a connector having a connector axis, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The support is rotatable about the connector axis between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position of the support, the housing is positioned in a first position relative to the well, and in the retracted position of the support, the housing is positioned in a second position relative to the well.