Modular Food Server Assembly With Cooling Pucks and Nonstick Trays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food server assemblies lack flexibility and efficiency in serving and displaying various types of food, particularly in maintaining temperature and preventing food from sticking to cold surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A modular food server assembly comprising a base, puck assemblies with cooling substances, and removable food trays that allow for multiple orientations and configurations, enabling flexible use and preventing food from sticking through design features like air gaps and support structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a food server assembly uses a simple, non-modular design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flexibility and adaptability in serving various types of food is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in serving and displaying foodVSAvoidmodular design with multiple components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The food server assembly is divided into separate modular components including a base, removable food trays, and puck assemblies that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows users to mix and match components to create different serving configurations for various food types and presentation styles, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to work together in multiple configurations. The food trays can be arranged in different orientations and combinations on the base, and the puck assemblies can be positioned to serve different functional purposes, enabling one set of components to fulfill multiple serving needs without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If the food server uses cold surfaces for food display, then temperature maintenance is improved, but food may stick to the cold surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature maintenance through cooling substancesVSAvoidfood sticking to cold surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A release layer or coating is introduced as an intermediary between the cold puck assembly surface and the food. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between the food and the cold surface, eliminating the sticking problem while allowing the cold temperature to be effectively transmitted to maintain food temperature. The release layer acts as a thermal conduit that blocks adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the food server assembly allows multiple orientations and configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple orientations and configurationsVSAvoidassembly and configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Specific portions of the modular components are designed with localized features such as alignment guides, magnetic attachments, or snap-fit mechanisms that automatically engage when components are brought together. These localized quality features ensure proper orientation and configuration without requiring complex assembly procedures, allowing users to achieve the correct multi-orientation setup through simple, intuitive component placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modular design provides flexibility in serving and displaying food, maintains temperature through cooling substances, and prevents food from sticking, enhancing user convenience and food preservation.

Implementation Method 1

puck assemblies (30) having cooling substances contained therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8955353B2Food server assembly

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 COLUMBIA INSURANCE CO

AI summary

A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid.