Modular Food Warming Pad with Expandable Heating Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food warming pads have a fixed single-plate design that cannot adjust its heating area to accommodate varying quantities of dishes or different scenarios, limiting their adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular food warming pad system comprising a first heating pad and multiple second heating pads that can be electrically connected and assembled in different directions, allowing expansion of the heating area to suit various needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed single-plate design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different usage scenarios and dish quantities is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pad is divided into multiple independent heating modules (first heating pad and second heating pads) that can be connected together. Each module has its own heating element and can function independently or in combination with others, allowing the system to adapt to different dish quantities and table configurations while maintaining relatively simple individual module structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pad system is designed to perform multiple functions by connecting different numbers and arrangements of heating modules. The same basic module design can serve single dishes, multiple dishes, or cover different table shapes (round, square, rectangular) by simply varying the configuration, making the system universally applicable to various dining scenarios.
2Area of moving object
If a fixed single-plate design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the heating area cannot be adjusted for varying quantities of dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pad is divided into multiple independent heating modules (first heating pad and second heating pads) that can be connected together. Each module has its own heating element and can function independently or in combination with others, allowing the system to adapt to different dish quantities and table configurations while maintaining relatively simple individual module structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating modules are designed with connection interfaces that allow them to be nested or connected in series, forming a larger heating surface from smaller identical units. This modular nesting approach enables flexible area adjustment without requiring custom manufacturing for each size configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple heating pads are connected in series, then the heating area expands to accommodate more dishes, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating modules are designed with self-contained electrical connection interfaces that automatically align and connect when modules are placed together. The modular design includes built-in connectors that simplify the expansion process, allowing users to add more heating pads without dealing with complex wiring, as each module handles its own electrical connections independently.
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 enhances versatility and flexibility by enabling the heating pad to be customized in size and shape to accommodate different meal quantities and table layouts, improving heat preservation and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating source and a first wire being provided on the first support panel; a controller connected to the assembly end, the first heating source and a first end of the first wire being electrically connected to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A modular food warming pad includes a first heating pad and a plurality of second heating pads. The first heating pad includes a first support panel, a controller and a first connector electrically connected to each other. Each second heating pad includes a second supporting panel, a second connector, and a third connector electrically connected to each other. The first heating pad and the second heating pads are arranged in a first direction. The first connector of the first heating pad is electrically connected to the second connector of an adjacent second heating pad; the third connector of one second heating pad is electrically connected to the second connector of its adjacent second heating pad.