Configurable food trays and modular containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compartmented food trays and plates lack adaptability to varying food types and quantities, leading to issues with food separation, portability, and waste, as they are not easily reconfigurable or suitable for individual preferences, especially for events like potlucks or buffets, and do not accommodate special needs such as those of left-handed individuals or people with disabilities.

Innovation Solution

A modular food tray system with interchangeable container modules of varying sizes and shapes that can be securely attached to a base tray, allowing for customizable configurations to accommodate different foods, beverages, and user preferences, while also providing a unique identifier for personalization and education.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed compartment configurations are used in disposable plates and trays, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but adaptability to different food types and user preferences is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different food types and quantitiesVSAvoidcomplexity of modular container system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided into multiple removable container modules that can be independently configured. Each module can be customized with different compartment arrangements, sizes, and configurations to match specific food types and user preferences, while maintaining simple individual manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal base plate design accommodates various container module configurations through standardized attachment mechanisms. The same base plate can support different numbers and types of containers, enabling one platform to serve multiple functions and adapt to diverse serving scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate plates and containers are used to accommodate different food preferences, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but portability and ease of carrying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of user preferencesVSAvoidease of carrying multiple containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple container modules that would traditionally require separate plates are merged into a single integrated plate structure. Users can attach the needed number of containers to one base plate, reducing the total number of separate items to carry while maintaining the ability to accommodate different food preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If larger portion sizes are provided in standard bowls and plates, then food service efficiency is improved, but food waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood service efficiencyVSAvoidfood waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is segmented into multiple smaller container modules instead of providing one large portion. Users can select and attach only the container sizes needed for their appetite, enabling more precise portion control and reducing the likelihood of taking excessive food that would go unused

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed compartment dividers are used in disposable plates, then manufacturing is simple, but reconfigurability for different serving situations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of manufacturingVSAvoidreconfigurability for different serving situations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The compartment dividers are made dynamic and reconfigurable rather than fixed. Container modules can be attached, removed, and repositioned based on serving needs, allowing the plate configuration to adapt to different situations while each individual module remains simple to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11779142B2Configurable food trays and modular containers

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 BARNUM MICHA

AI summary

A disposable or reusable food base tray and plurality of container modules is disclosed which allows the user to both hold food directly in compartments on the base tray and configure a plurality of similar or different food and beverage container modules selected by the user to securely fit the compartments on the surface of the base tray. Container modules include but are not limited to bowls, partitioned modules, cups, cup adapters, platters and other container modules. An additional feature includes the ability to stack an additional tray securely on top of said container modules. An additional feature includes unique themed identifiers on base trays and container modules so that users can readily identify and remember which items belong to the user.