Cutting Board Assembly with Heat-Shielding Tray for RV Cooktop Space

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles have limited countertop space due to the integration of cooktops, which occupy valuable space when not in use, necessitating a solution to optimize cooktop space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A cutting board assembly comprising a metal tray and a board, where the board is selectively mountable to the tray with the bottom surface facing the tray's top surface, and the tray is positioned between the board and the heating element of the cooktop to protect the board from heat, utilizing a larger tray area than the board area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cooktop is installed in the recreational vehicle kitchen, then cooking functionality is provided, but countertop space is occupied and reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking functionalityVSAvoidcountertop space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooktop surface is designed to serve dual purposes: as a heating element for cooking and as a mounting surface for the cutting board assembly that provides additional countertop workspace. The metal tray with mounting holes allows the cutting board to be positioned on the cooktop when not in use, effectively converting the cooktop surface into usable counter space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If a cutting board is placed directly on the cooktop, then additional counter space is provided, but the board is exposed to harmful heat from the heating element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounter spaceVSAvoidheat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A metal tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the cutting board and the cooktop heating element. The tray has a bottom surface that contacts the cooktop surface and a top surface that supports the cutting board, with mounting holes that allow the board to be secured. This intermediary structure protects the cutting board from direct heat exposure while still allowing it to be positioned on the cooktop surface for additional workspace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The assembly provides additional counter space on the cooktop by allowing the board to withstand heat from the cooktop while preventing spills and protecting the board from direct heating, thus optimizing cooktop space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

the metal tray is positioned between the board and a heating element of the cooking appliance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12390053B2Systems for cutting boards in recreational vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A cutting board assembly for use in recreational vehicles. The cutting board assembly includes a metal tray and a board. The board is selectively mountable to the metal tray such that a bottom surface of the board faces a top surface of the metal tray. An area of the top surface of the metal tray is greater than an area of the bottom surface of the board. When the board is mounted to the metal tray and the cutting board assembly is positioned on a cooking appliance, the metal tray is positioned between the board and a heating element of the cooking appliance.