Modular Tiered Serving Tray with Table Insert for Expanded Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-tiered serving trays have limited capacity and surface area due to the requirement of a lower serving plate or ring, which restricts the size of serving dishes that can be placed on them and occupies valuable table space.
Innovation Solution
A tiered tray design featuring a first and second tier with removable support members that maintain their respective levels above the table, allowing for independent or combined use, with unobstructed horizontal surfaces and a table insert with a retractable aperture cover, enabling larger serving dishes and flexible placement without obstructing the table surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lower serving plate or ring is used in existing multi-tiered trays, then the tray structure is stable and can support multiple tiers, but the available table surface area is reduced and the capacity is limited by the size of the plate or ring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional table surface arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical structure by using a table insert that extends below the table surface. The support member passes through the table top and engages with the table insert in a cavity below, allowing tiers to be elevated above the table surface without occupying additional horizontal space. This dimensional change enables larger serving dishes while maintaining full table surface availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table insert is nested within the table structure, with a cavity that receives the support member. The support member itself is designed with a nested configuration where the upper portion engages the table insert and the lower portion extends through the table top to support the tiers. This nesting allows the support structure to be compact and integrated, maximizing capacity without increasing footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lower serving plate or ring is used in existing multi-tiered trays, then the tray structure is stable, but the size of serving dishes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tray system is segmented into independent, modular components: removable tiers, a separate support member, and an integrated table insert. Each tier can be independently attached or removed from the support member, allowing users to configure the system with different tier combinations. This segmentation enables flexibility in serving dish size and type without requiring a complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the table insert cavity. The tiers are removably attachable to the support member, enabling the structure to adapt between different configurations. This dynamic design provides versatility for different serving needs while maintaining structural stability during use.
3Ease of operation
If tiers are fixed to the table in existing designs, then the structure is stable, but the tray cannot be easily reconfigured or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The table insert is pre-installed and permanently secured within the table structure, providing a stable foundation. The support member is designed with preliminary engagement features that fit into the pre-formed cavity of the table insert. This preliminary action ensures structural stability is established before the tiers are attached, allowing for easy reconfiguration of the tiers themselves without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiers are extracted from being permanently fixed to the table and made into removable components that attach to the support member. The support member itself can be removed from the table insert when needed. This extraction of the tiers from the fixed structure enables easy reconfiguration and movement while the permanently installed table insert maintains structural reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tiered tray is provided that includes a first tier with a first support member coupled thereto; a second tier with a second support member coupled thereto; and a table insert having a cavity therein that accepts at least one of the first and the second support members. The first support member maintains a level of the first tier above a level of a table and the second support maintains a level of the second tier above the level of the first tier, and the first tier is removably attachable to the table insert and the second tier is removably attachable to the first tier.