Multi-Panel Folding Food Shield for Cafeteria and Self-Serve Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food shields are cumbersome to maneuver due to heavy, single transparent panels and have limited adjustable positions, offering inadequate protection from airborne bacteria and restricted display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-positionable food shield with overlapping upper and lower transparent panels, adjustable via locking and non-locking mechanisms, allowing angular adjustments from one side, enabling configurations for cafeteria, self-serve, and display modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single heavy transparent panel is used in conventional food shields, then the barrier provides adequate protection from airborne bacteria, but the shield becomes cumbersome to maneuver and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The single heavy transparent panel is divided into multiple lighter transparent panels (first, second, third, and fourth panels). These segmented panels can be independently adjusted and positioned, reducing the weight and complexity of manual handling while collectively providing the same barrier protection against airborne contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The food shield transitions from a static single-panel design to a dynamic multi-panel system with adjustable positions. The panels can be reconfigured between cafeteria mode (all panels in place) and self-serve mode (panels removed or repositioned), allowing the barrier to adapt its configuration based on operational needs while maintaining protection when required.
2Device complexity
If a single transparent panel is used, then the structure is simpler, but the number of adjustable positions is limited and display capabilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple transparent panels that can be independently positioned at different heights and angles. This segmentation enables a greater number of configuration options and display positions while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-panel design provides universal adaptability for multiple functions: it can serve as a full barrier in cafeteria mode, be partially configured for self-serve access, and create elevated display positions for food presentation. The same modular panel system performs all these functions without requiring separate structures.
3Reliability
If employees must reach across the panel to adjust it, then the locking mechanism is functional, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented and distributed across multiple panels rather than requiring a single complex lock. Each panel has its own locking system that can be operated independently from the front, eliminating the need for employees to reach across the entire panel span and reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be self-operating from the front side, allowing employees to easily lock and adjust panels without assistance or by reaching across the barrier. The quick-release latches and front-accessible locking systems enable rapid configuration changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A food shield for use in a restaurant or food service institution includes a pair of partially overlapping upper and lower transparent panels, first and second locking assemblies connected to and supporting one lateral side of each of the upper and lower transparent panels, and first and second non-locking assemblies connected to and supporting the opposite lateral side of each of the upper and lower transparent panels. Each of the first locking and non-locking assemblies, which supports the upper transparent panel, is mountable to a respective vertical support post. The food shield is transformable into three different settings. In a cafeteria setting, the upper and lower transparent panels overlap each other to provide a full length barrier in front of food product being displayed. In a self-serve setting, the lower transparent panel is pivoted inwardly such that it resides behind the upper transparent panel. In a self-serve and display setting, the lower transparent panel is adjusted to a horizontal position to create a shelf situated behind the upper transparent panel.