Dual-Function Plate Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food transportation devices, such as ordinary plates, lack secure containment, leading to spills, mixing of food items, and cross-contamination, especially with high-moisture foods, and are prone to tipping and leaking during transport.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function plate device with a raised edge and reciprocating fasteners that allows two devices to be removably attached, forming a sealed container, and includes pull tabs for easy separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ordinary plates are used for food transport, then the device is simple and easy to use, but food spills and leaks during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The plate device is divided into two separate halves that can be detached from each other. Each half functions as a complete plate when used individually, but when joined together they form a sealed container for secure food transport. This segmentation allows the device to maintain simplicity for everyday use while providing containment capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate device serves multiple functions: it can be used as a single plate for eating, as two separate plates for serving, or joined together to form a sealed transport container. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the same device to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing both simplicity and reliability as needed.
2Reliability
If uncovered plates are used, then the device is simple, but food items slide off and mix with other dishes
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the plate into two detachable halves with joining mechanisms, the device creates a enclosed space when assembled, preventing food from sliding off or mixing with other dishes while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
3Reliability
If raised edges are added to prevent spills, then food containment improves, but the plate becomes top-heavy and prone to tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into two halves that join together to form a balanced container structure. The segmentation allows the raised edges to provide spill prevention while the distributed mass of two separate halves maintains stability and prevents tipping during transport.
4Reliability
If secure containment structures are added, then food transport reliability improves, but the device can no longer function as a regular plate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate device is segmented into two halves that can function independently as regular plates for eating, but when joined together using the integrated joining mechanisms, they form a secure containment structure for food transport, thus achieving both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be universal, serving as both a regular plate for everyday use and a secure transport container when needed. The two halves can be used separately for eating or combined for containment, providing adaptability across different usage scenarios without compromising either function.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-function plate device is provided. The device is comprised of a food storage and transport device comprised of a body made from materials such as paper, bamboo fiber, or plastic, shaped like various types of plates or bowls. The body includes a flat bottom wall and a raised edge designed to prevent spills. The raised edge features two reciprocating fasteners, such as male and female or tongue and groove types, allowing two of the devices to be removably attached to create a sealed food container. The device also includes pull tabs to facilitate the separation of attached units. The invention further comprises a method for using the device, where two devices can be joined to store leftover food securely within.