Interlocking Faux Ice Trays for Melt-Free Food Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food displays with ice typically require a lot of time to keep products fresh, as ice melting can freeze the bottom of products, making them unattractive and unsellable.
Innovation Solution
A faux ice tray system comprising interlocking trays with a base, side walls, and a lid, featuring a concave indentation for faux ice, lock channels, and interlock bars for assembly, along with drainage holes, nametag slots, and dividers, which can be used alone or with traditional ice in refrigerated displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional ice is used in refrigerated displays, then products can be kept cold, but the ice melts and freezes the bottom of products making them unattractive and unsellable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses faux ice trays that copy the appearance of traditional ice without containing actual ice. The faux ice trays are designed to look like ice from above while having a solid bottom structure that prevents product damage, thus copying the aesthetic and cooling function without the harmful melting effect
Solution Approach 2:
The faux ice tray system is divided into multiple interlocking trays that can be stacked vertically. Each tray segment maintains the ice-like appearance while the segmented structure allows for interlocking mechanisms that stabilize the display and prevent any single tray from contacting and damaging products below
2Shape
If faux ice trays are designed to look like ice, then product attractiveness is maintained, but the trays need interlocking mechanisms adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism merges the structural support function with the aesthetic function by integrating the connection features directly into the faux ice tray bodies. The interlock bars and lock channels are incorporated as part of the tray structure itself, combining the appearance-maintenance function with the structural-stabilization function in a unified design
3Productivity
If multiple interlocking trays are used, then display efficiency is improved, but the risk of trays shifting or becoming unstable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The interlock bars automatically engage with the lock channels when trays are stacked, and the T-shaped geometry provides automatic centering and stabilization without requiring external adjustment or additional stabilizing components
Solution Approach 2:
The faux ice trays are made from composite materials that provide both the desired ice-like appearance and the structural strength necessary for stable interlocking. The material composition allows the trays to maintain their shape and connection integrity under varying temperatures and display conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A faux ice tray system featuring a plurality of faux ice trays that interlock via interlock bars. The system can be placed in a refrigerated display in lieu of traditional ice or in a display cooled with another type of mechanism or with traditional ice. The trays are reversible wherein the top surface and the bottom surface can be used for containing faux ice. Some systems may feature an indentation for a bowl. Removable lids may provide an air-tight seal.