Cutlery-tray set comprising a tray provided with a cutlery-holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutlery trays are impractical for informal occasions like buffets where diners lack stable surfaces, leading to hygiene issues and cutlery displacement during consumption, as users must use both hands to open sealed packages and struggle to manage loose cutlery.
Innovation Solution
A tray with a cutlery-holder featuring a compartmentalized design using retention means and seats that allow cutlery to be held securely in various positions, enabling one-handed access and stability during movement, with elastically snap-in retention and rotatable supporting elements to prevent sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cutlery are dispensed in a sealed package for hygienic reasons, then hygiene is improved, but the user must use both hands to open the package which is impractical for informal occasions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed package is segmented into a removable cover portion and a base portion. The cover can be easily detached by pulling it away from the base, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining the hygienic sealed environment until opening is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A frangible seal or easy-release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed package and the user. This intermediary allows the package to be opened with minimal effort using one hand, while still providing hygienic protection when sealed.
2Ease of operation
If loose cutlery are used to facilitate consumption while standing, then ease of operation is improved, but cutlery can slide or fall during abrupt movements
Solution Approach 1:
The tray surface has different local qualities: smooth areas for general placement and textured or non-slip areas specifically where cutlery rests. This localized friction enhancement prevents sliding while maintaining easy access elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray incorporates a non-slip coating or textured surface treatment applied beforehand to create friction zones that prevent cutlery from sliding during movement, cushioning against the harmful effect of abrupt motions.
3Reliability
If cutlery are placed in a compartmentalized holder with retention means, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention means incorporate elastic elements that dynamically adapt to the cutlery being inserted. The elasticity provides automatic retention without complex mechanical structures, allowing the system to adjust to different cutlery types while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism uses changes in elastic parameter (deformation) to create retention force. Simple elastic tabs or springs deform to grip cutlery handles, providing stable retention through material property changes rather than complex structural arrangements.
4Productivity
If the cutlery-holder allows quick access during meal consumption, then productivity is improved, but secure holding of cutlery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Cutlery are pre-positioned in the holder with their handles protruding or easily accessible. The retention means are pre-configured to hold cutlery in optimal positions, so when the user needs them, they can be quickly grabbed without searching or complex manipulation, while still being securely held.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention means apply partial retention force that is sufficient to hold cutlery securely during normal movement but allows easy removal when intentionally touched. The force is calibrated to be stronger than accidental disturbances but weaker than deliberate user action.
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 secure, hygienic, and convenient access to cutlery while standing, preventing accidental drops and maintaining cleanliness by allowing easy handling and positioning of cutlery without the need for both hands or stable surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The tray is provided with a plurality of retention means, in particular elastically snap-in retention means, which are suitable for holding the cutlery-tray set together
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
Cutlery-tray set comprising cutlery (T) and a tray (V) comprising a cutlery-holder (3) provided with: - a bottom wall (33) and a lateral wall (34); - a compartment (30) defined by the bottom wall (33) and by the lateral wall (34); and - a retention assembly (4) disposed in the compartment (30) and suitable for firmly holding the cutlery (T) with respect to the tray (V); the peculiarity of the cutlery-tray set is that the retention assembly (4) allows for positioning the cutlery (T) alternately in a parallel position with respect to the bottom wall (33) and in an orthogonal or inclined position with respect to the bottom wall (33).