Flexible Baking Mat With Marking Ridges for Precise Slice Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food handling products are designed for a single purpose and lack versatility in converting to multi-use applications, particularly for marking slice locations on rolled food products.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mat with marking ridges that form indentations on the surface of rolled food products, allowing for easy slicing and storage, combined with end caps for containment, facilitating multi-use functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flexible mat with marking ridges is used to mark slice locations on rolled food products, then slicing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is segmented into multiple marking ridges spaced at different intervals (e.g., 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 2 inch spacing) to provide various slicing precision levels. Each ridge acts as an independent marking element that can be used according to the specific slicing needs, allowing users to achieve precise slice locations without requiring a complex marking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking ridges on the mat automatically form indentations on the rolled food product when the mat is rolled over it, eliminating the need for separate marking tools or complex positioning mechanisms. The ridges self-imprint the slice locations directly onto the food product surface through the rolling action, providing precise markings without additional device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible mat is rolled up for storage, then storage convenience is improved, but the time required to prepare for use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is pre-configured with marking ridges that remain in their correct positions even when the mat is rolled up for storage. The ridges are integrally formed or permanently attached to the mat body, so no repositioning or reconfiguration is needed when the mat is unrolled for use. This preliminary arrangement of marking elements ensures quick preparation without time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible mat is made adaptable for multiple uses including storage container, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mat is designed to serve multiple functions: (1) as a marking surface for slicing with integrated marking ridges, (2) as a rolling surface for food products, and (3) as a storage container when rolled up and sealed with end caps. The same mat body performs all these functions without requiring additional specialized components, achieving versatility through simple multi-purpose design.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking ridges, rolling surface, and storage container functions are merged into a single flexible mat structure. The mat combines the marking function (ridges), the rolling function (flexible surface), and the storage function (rollable container with end caps) into one integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while achieving multiple uses.
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
Enables precise slicing and convenient storage of rolled food products by providing a flexible mat that marks slice locations and can be easily converted into a container for refrigeration or freezing.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of marking ridges is configured to form indentations on an outer surface of an associated rolled food product when the flexible mat is pressed against the associated rolled food product
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for locating slice locations on a rolled food product includes a flexible mat having first and second sides extending between first and second ends, and a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The mat has an open condition where the mat is substantially flat, and the mat is configured to be rolled up about a rolling axis toward a rolled condition with the first surface facing toward the rolling axis. A plurality of marking ridges extends from the first surface. Each marking ridge extends with a longest dimension perpendicular to the rolling axis and spaced from an adjacent marking ridge in a direction parallel to the rolling axis. The plurality of marking ridges is configured to form indentations on an outer surface of an associated rolled food product when the mat is pressed against the associated rolled food product or vice versa.