Food container stacking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard-sized food storage pans in commercial settings cannot be stacked vertically due to contact issues, leading to inefficient and unstable storage arrangements in refrigerators and on countertops.
Innovation Solution
A food container stacking device with a main body, top and bottom surfaces, and a lip extending perpendicularly, allowing for vertical stacking without contacting the contents of the pan below, providing support and stability through peripheral surfaces and corner stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If pans are stacked vertically one on top of another, then space efficiency is improved, but the bottom of one pan contacts the food in the pan below causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peripheral support surface as an intermediary element between stacked pans. This support surface rests on the flange of the lower pan and provides a designated contact point that prevents the upper pan's bottom from contacting the food contents. The intermediary structure enables vertical stacking while maintaining food safety by mediating the contact interaction between pans.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pans are stacked perpendicularly to avoid contact, then food contamination is prevented, but excessive space is consumed and stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from perpendicular stacking (occupying horizontal space) to vertical stacking by introducing a height dimension element - the peripheral support surface extending upward from the lower pan's flange. This dimensional change allows pans to be stacked vertically while the support surface prevents contact, thus improving space efficiency without compromising contamination prevention.
3Area of stationary object
If pans are stacked vertically without support structures, then space efficiency is improved, but stacking stability is reduced causing sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a pre-configured peripheral support surface that extends from the lower pan's flange before stacking occurs. This预先 prepared support structure is designed to receive and stabilize the upper pan in the correct position, preventing sliding and ensuring stacking stability before the pan is even placed. The corner stops also provide preliminary positioning guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral support surface acts as a mediator between the lower pan and upper pan, providing a stable contact interface. The support surface's geometry and the corner stops create a stable mechanical interface that prevents lateral sliding while maintaining vertical stacking, thus mediating the stability interaction between stacked pans.
Data Source
AI summary
A food storage container stacking device includes a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pair of ends and a pair of sides that define a perimeter of the top surface and the bottom surface. A lip extends from one end of the main body, the lip being oriented substantially perpendicular to the main body. The main body defines a central opening and a peripheral top support surface and a peripheral bottom support surface between the perimeter and the central opening.