Serving stadium having a tiered structure for displaying food

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for displaying items, such as shelving and racks, fail to provide a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to construct and deconstruct structures for displaying food and other items in an aesthetically pleasing manner, especially for events like tailgates and grocery stores, while occupying a small footprint during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A modular, tiered stadium system composed of corrugated plastic or similar materials, featuring interlocking stringers, risers, and runners that can be easily folded and assembled to form a stairstep configuration, allowing for efficient display and disassembly, with optional covers and straps for stability and aesthetic customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional shelving and racks are used for displaying items, then the display structure provides stability and load-bearing capacity, but the construction and disassembly process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of construction and disassemblyVSAvoidtime required for setup and teardown
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display structure is divided into modular components including panels, connectors, and display surfaces that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel contains integrated connection points that allow rapid attachment without complex fastening mechanisms, enabling users to quickly construct and dismantle the display structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into single components: panels serve as both structural elements and display surfaces, connectors provide both mechanical attachment and alignment functions, and the overall structure integrates storage, display, and organizational capabilities. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If traditional shelving systems are used, then the structure provides adequate load-bearing capacity, but the system occupies excessive space during transportation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefootprint during transportationVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panels and components are designed to nest within each other when disassembled, with larger panels containing smaller components and connection elements. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume required for storage and transportation while maintaining the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The display structure transitions between two states: a compact, low-volume configuration for transportation and storage, and an expanded, high-strength configuration for display use. The modular design allows the structure to dynamically adapt its form factor based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If custom display structures are designed for aesthetic presentation, then the visual appeal is enhanced, but the cost of construction and materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic presentationVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panels and components are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that can be configured in multiple arrangements. The same basic components can create different display configurations and aesthetic styles without requiring custom-designed parts, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The aesthetic presentation is achieved by changing the arrangement parameters of standardized components rather than by customizing the components themselves. Different panel configurations, orientations, and combinations create varied visual displays while using the same cost-effective modular elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11849866B2Serving stadium having a tiered structure for displaying food
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 WALPER JEFFREY G
  • US11849866B2 patent drawing
  • US11849866B2 patent drawing
  • US11849866B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display capable of being constructed from panels, shelving, racks, fixtures, endcaps, stands, or other implements. The display may include planar panels capable of being folded and assembled into a serving stadium having a tiered structure for displaying food and other items.