Counter tray and counter tray set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counter shells used at meat counters often give an unfavorable impression when partially emptied, as they lack an appealing surface due to food safety regulations and constant refilling is not always possible, especially with high-priced foods.
Innovation Solution
A counter shell design featuring a square floor with four side walls, including blunt angles that allow for the insertion of plates to reduce the inner volume, creating the illusion of a full counter even when partially filled, while also facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If counter trays are made of food-safe plastic without printing, then food safety is ensured, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counter tray is divided into multiple compartments separated by partition walls, allowing different food items to be displayed simultaneously. This segmentation maintains the food-safe material requirement while improving aesthetic appeal through organized presentation and the possibility of selective printing on individual compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable insert plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the food and the counter tray base. The insert plate can be printed with attractive designs and patterns, providing aesthetic appeal, while the underlying counter tray remains food-safe plastic. The insert plate acts as a mediator that separates the aesthetic function from the food contact surface.
2Shape
If counter trays are constantly refilled, then full appearance is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Removable insert plates are nested within the counter tray compartments. When food is depleted, the insert plate can be easily removed and replaced with a full one, or the compartment can be refilled directly. This nesting structure allows for quick replacement or refilling operations, reducing the time and effort required to maintain full appearance compared to refilling entire large trays.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter tray system incorporates dynamic elements through removable insert plates that can be quickly exchanged or refilled. This dynamic design allows the tray to adapt to varying food inventory levels, enabling rapid restoration of full appearance without the need for complex refilling procedures or multiple tray replacements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If insert plates are added to reduce internal volume, then functionality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable insert plates serve multiple functions: they reduce internal volume when needed, provide printed aesthetic surfaces, facilitate easy cleaning by being removable, and can be used to create different compartment configurations. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element, as the insert plates provide several benefits simultaneously rather than adding complexity for a single purpose.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A countertop display case for food presentation has a rectangular base (10) and four side walls (20). At least one obtuse angle (21, 22) extends around all side walls (20). The angle of the angle (21, 22) is smaller than the angle between the base (10) and the side walls (20). Several countertop display cases form a set, in which the display cases have different lengths and/or widths and/or heights. The difference between the length of the display case and the length of its base (10) and the difference between the width of the display case and the width of its base (10) are identical for all display cases in the set.