Modular Wire Frame Tray Rack for Space-Efficient Drying and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen and restaurant equipment, such as wire frame utility carts, are not specifically designed for the efficient drying and storage of food holding trays, leading to space challenges and inefficient use in quick service restaurant settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular and reconfigurable tray rack system with opposed side support frames, shelf hooks, and wire configurations that allow for adjustable shelf positions and orientations, enabling efficient drying and storage of food trays within a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general wire frame utility carts are used for tray storage, then device availability is improved, but space efficiency and task-specific functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The utility cart is divided into multiple modular shelves that can be independently configured. Each shelf is a separate component that can be adjusted or removed, allowing the cart to be segmented into task-specific zones for tray washing, drying, and storage, thereby optimizing space utilization while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The cart incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable shelves that can be dynamically positioned at different heights and orientations. This dynamic configuration allows the same cart structure to adapt to different kitchen space requirements and task needs, improving space efficiency without sacrificing adaptability
2Device complexity
If traditional shelving configurations are used, then structural simplicity is improved, but drying and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the shelving structure are designed with different properties: some shelves have wire configurations optimized for drainage and drying, while others provide solid surfaces for storage. The shelves incorporate localized features such as raised edges, drainage channels, and varying wire densities to optimize specific functions at specific locations, thereby improving tray management efficiency without requiring complete structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system is designed so that the same basic shelf structure can serve multiple functions: drying trays when configured with drainage wires, storing clean trays when positioned horizontally, and accommodating different tray sizes through adjustable positions. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed shelf positions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reconfigurability and space optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is manufactured as segmented modular units with standardized connection interfaces. Each shelf is a discrete component that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing simple manufacturing processes while enabling flexible reconfiguration in the field to optimize for different space requirements and tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The shelves incorporate adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow them to be dynamically repositioned along the cart structure. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple manufactured features such as adjustable holes, sliding tracks, or magnetic attachments, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing adaptability for space optimization
Data Source
AI summary
A tray rack includes opposed side support frames and a plurality of shelf hooks extend interior to the tray rack from the side support frames. Shelves include sides with a hang bar. Wires extend between the hang bars. The wires include a horizontal portion between upturned portions at either end. The upturned portion and the hang bars define the sides of the shelf. The shelves are connected between the opposed side support frames by engagement of the hang bars with the shelf hooks.