Modular pastry storage carousel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pastry storage and packaging methods lead to a shortened shelf life of presliced pastries due to moisture loss and exposure, with existing solutions requiring time-consuming wrapping and not allowing immediate serving or transport.

Innovation Solution

A modular pastry packaging carousel that individually stores wedge-shaped pastry slices in a radial configuration, featuring a base tray, removable pastry modules with a handle carrier, and a radial slicer assembly for efficient slicing and sealing, allowing for easy handling and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If presliced pastry is stored in a conventional holder with tray and cover, then the pastry can be stored and displayed, but the shelf life is considerably foreshortened due to moisture loss and periodic cover dislodgment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidmoisture loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pastry is divided into individual wedge-shaped segments, each stored in its own sealed compartment within the carousel. This segmentation allows each slice to be independently protected from moisture loss while maintaining the overall integrity of the storage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism between the pastry slices and the external environment. The carousel design with individual compartments and sealing lids acts as an intermediary that prevents direct exposure to air, thereby reducing moisture loss and extending shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is periodically removed to remove a segment, then a serving can be distributed, but flavor, texture, and appearance deteriorate as a result of moisture loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserving distributionVSAvoidflavor and texture deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carousel is divided into individual compartments, each containing a separate pastry segment. This allows a single segment to be removed without exposing the entire pastry to air, maintaining the quality of remaining segments while enabling easy serving distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of removing the entire cover to access one segment, the design allows for partial access where only the specific compartment containing the desired segment is opened. This minimizes the exposure of other segments to harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If an individual segment is placed upon a serving dish, then the slice can be served, but additional time and effort are required and packaging may interfere with the pastry segment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserving convenienceVSAvoidtime and effort for packaging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pastry segments are pre-positioned in individual compartments within the carousel, ready for immediate serving. The compartment design itself serves as the packaging, eliminating the need for additional wrapping or transfer to serving dishes, thereby saving time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carousel compartment serves multiple functions: it acts as storage, protection, and serving container simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate packaging materials and steps, streamlining the serving process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If wrapping paper is used to package the pastry segment for carry-out, then individual packaging is achieved, but the wrapping paper usually mashes into the icing upon cake segments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging capabilityVSAvoidpastry surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The carousel compartment uses a form-fitting, flexible lid that conforms to the shape of the pastry segment without exerting excessive pressure. This thin film approach provides protection and portability while maintaining the integrity of the pastry surface and icing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of wrapping the pastry in paper that may deform it, the design inverts the approach by having the pastry sit in a pre-formed compartment with a lid that closes over it. This reverse packaging method protects the pastry shape while providing the same portability and individual packaging benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11840375B2Modular pastry storage carousel

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 IVORY ALICIA N

AI summary

A modular pastry packaging carousel is disclosed which provides the ability to individually store wedge-shaped pastry slices in a respective wedge-shaped pastry module. In a version of the application, the modular pasty packaging carousel generally comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a spacer positioned between the bottom plate and the top plate providing a radial gab therebetween; and a plurality of wedge-shaped pastry modules, each comprising a sector-shaped removable base. The sector-shaped removable base includes a means for engaging the pastry module with the base tray radial connection channels.