Adjustable Food Shield Brackets for Buffet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food shields do not adequately meet health code requirements for adjustability and aesthetic value in buffet settings, failing to provide sufficient protection and professional presentation for self-serviced and operator-serviced food displays.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable food shield system featuring shield panel support structures with semi-transparent or transparent panels, adjustable bracket assemblies for height and angular positioning, and semi-opaque end sections for enhanced aesthetics, allowing for customizable positioning and stabilization of shield panels over buffet tables or carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position food shields are used, then installation is simple, but adaptability to different buffet configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The food shield system employs adjustable bracket assemblies that allow the shield panels to be dynamically repositioned along the support structures. The brackets include sliding mechanisms with engagement features that enable the shield position to be changed according to different buffet configurations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The food shield system is divided into modular components including separate support structures, adjustable bracket assemblies, and shield panels. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and reconfigured, enabling the system to adapt to different buffet layouts while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If transparent shield panels are used, then aesthetic value is improved, but food protection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shield panel incorporates different optical properties in different regions or layers. The panel is designed with transparency characteristics that balance aesthetic presentation and protective function, allowing visible monitoring of food while maintaining adequate barrier properties against contamination. The local quality principle enables different portions of the shield to have optimized properties for their specific functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A food shield has shield panels that are location adjustable and angularly adjustable in respect of support structures (posts) that are coupled to a mounting surface, such as a surface of a buffet table or cart. For vertical or location adjustment of a shield panel in relation to a post, a bracket assembly includes outer and inner collar portions, a grip element positioned between the outer and inner collar portions, and a tightening element that tightens the connection of the assembled collar against support posts. For angular adjustment, each bracket assembly includes an indexing base, a rotatable arm assembly with an indexing hub, and a removable or retractable coupling element. Alternative bracket assemblies provide support elements that contact one face of the shield panel, in addition to having clamps that engage the shield panel at or near each of the front and rear panel edges.