Stackable Ham Mould Frame with Vertical Posts Against Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the length of troughs increases, the rigidity of the frame in existing stackable units is no longer sufficient to maintain a constant cross-section of the ham mould during cooking, leading to potential buckling under the weight of the hams and inconsistent cooking results.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of vertical posts distributed along the longitudinal sections, which serve as alignment and support components, ensuring that each stackable unit maintains a constant cross-section by transferring forces directly to the floor, and the use of alignment studs and apertures for precise stacking alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length of troughs is increased to accommodate larger hams, then the cooking capacity is improved, but the rigidity of the frame deteriorates leading to buckling under weight
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple longitudinal sections (at least two) connected by transverse sections, with vertical posts distributed along each longitudinal section. This segmentation allows the frame to support longer troughs by distributing structural loads across multiple segments rather than relying on a single continuous beam, thereby maintaining rigidity while accommodating increased length.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical posts are added to provide support in the vertical dimension, creating a three-dimensional structural framework. These posts connect the longitudinal and transverse sections, adding vertical stiffness and preventing buckling of the longitudinal sections under the weight of hams, thus resolving the rigidity issue while allowing longer troughs.
2Length of moving object
If the length of troughs is increased, then the cooking capacity is improved, but the constancy of cross-section deteriorates due to frame deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple longitudinal sections connected by transverse sections, with vertical posts distributed along each section. This segmentation ensures that each segment maintains its structural integrity and cross-sectional consistency, preventing cumulative deformation along the entire length of the trough.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical posts are distributed at specific locations along the longitudinal sections to provide localized support where needed. This ensures that the cross-section remains constant at critical points along the trough length, maintaining manufacturing precision for the ham mould while accommodating overall increased length.
3Ease of manufacture
If folded plates are used for longitudinal sections to simplify construction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of stacking deteriorates due to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The folded plate longitudinal sections are divided into multiple segments by introducing transverse sections and vertical posts at regular intervals. This segmentation prevents buckling of the folded plates under stack weight while maintaining the ease of manufacture advantage, as each segment remains a manageable folded plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical posts are added to the folded plate structure, transforming it from a two-dimensional folded surface to a three-dimensional framework. This adds vertical and lateral stability to prevent buckling during stacking, while the folded plate segments themselves remain simple to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable unit having two longitudinal sections and two transverse sections forming a frame with at least one trough having each end fixed to the transverse sections and a fixed cover underneath. Vertical posts are distributed over each longitudinal section for support of a unit stacked above it.