System of support and inserts for buffet station wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buffet station equipment lacks flexibility in configuring tray arrangements and sizes, leading to inefficient use of space and risk of trays falling due to movement during use.
Innovation Solution
A system of support and inserts featuring extruded or molded bars with a tongue-and-groove framework, allowing for various configurations of inserts of different sizes and depths without a supporting table inside the well, preventing sliding and falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid system of support plates and inserts is used, then the structure is stable, but the configuration cannot be modified to re arrange trays
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: support plates with cavities and removable inserts. Each insert can be independently removed, repositioned, or replaced, allowing flexible reconfiguration of tray arrangements while maintaining structural stability through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Inserts can be moved between different cavities and positions on the support plates, enabling the buffet station to adapt to different food presentation requirements while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inserts are allowed to move freely, then configuration flexibility is improved, but inserts may fall into the well during use
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates act as an intermediary structure between the well and the inserts. The plates provide a stable base with cavities that hold inserts in place, preventing them from falling into the well while allowing easy removal and repositioning when needed. The plates mediate between the need for stability and the need for flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plates have cavities with specific local geometries designed to match and securely hold specific inserts. Each cavity provides localized support and retention features that prevent inserts from slipping or falling, while different cavities can accommodate different insert sizes and types for versatile configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If support profiles with smooth contact surface are used, then ease of cleaning is improved, but inserts may slide and fall when station is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The support system adds a vertical dimension to insert retention by using cavities that receive inserts from above and hold them in place through gravity and geometric fit. This vertical retention mechanism works in conjunction with the smooth horizontal contact surfaces, allowing easy cleaning while preventing lateral sliding and falling of inserts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system of support and inserts for an equipment of the type of a buffet station, in which the supporting elements have a design that allows their combination to accommodate a set of inserts in a wide variety of configurations inside a well of a conventional buffet equipment, which allows the same equipment to be adapted according to different food presentation requirements. The elements that constitute the system of support and inserts for an equipment of the type of a buffet station of the invention, are: a) a set of main and intermediate supporting rods that provide support and prevent the sliding of the inserts, and b) a set of inserts of various dimensions that can be configured to cover the entire well; these inserts have a tab designed to be coupled to the supporting bars and avoid displacements perpendicular to the bar.