Multi-use plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plates lack functionality to support both food and beverage cans or utensils simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use plate design featuring a dual basin structure with a rim separation and support ribs to enhance structural rigidity, allowing it to hold a beverage can, foodstuffs, and utensils, with apertures for utensil handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single plate design is used to hold food, then the plate structure is simple, but it cannot support beverage cans or utensils simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple functional basins (first basin for food, second basin for beverage can) separated by a rim structure. This segmentation allows each basin to serve a specific function while maintaining overall plate integrity, resolving the contradiction by enabling multiple functions without requiring separate items.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure is designed to universally accommodate multiple items: food in the first basin, beverage cans in the second basin, and utensils in the third basin. The rim configuration and basin depths are optimized to provide stable support for different object types, achieving functional versatility within a single unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plate structure is extended to include multiple basins for different items, then functional versatility improves, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rim structure extends vertically from the plate surface, creating a three-dimensional separation between basins. This vertical dimension allows the rim to act as a structural reinforcement that divides the plate into distinct functional zones while maintaining overall structural integrity through the elevated separation walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate have specialized characteristics: the first basin has a specific depth and rim configuration for food, the second basin has optimized dimensions for beverage can support, and the third basin is configured for utensil placement. This local differentiation enables each zone to stabilize specific items while the overall plate maintains structural coherence.
3Strength
If support ribs are added to increase moment of inertia, then structural rigidity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple ribs distributed across the plate, with each rib providing localized reinforcement. This segmentation allows the structural strength to be distributed throughout the plate rather than concentrated in a single complex feature, making the manufacturing process more manageable while achieving the required moment of inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are designed with specific geometric parameters (height, width, spacing, and orientation) that optimize the moment of inertia for the intended load conditions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the structure achieves maximum rigidity with minimal material addition, simplifying the manufacturing process while meeting structural requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The multi-use plate effectively supports a beverage can, food, and utensils, enhancing structural integrity and usability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more support ribs extending from the second basin floor to the second rim towards the first basin floor to increase a moment of inertia
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a multi-use plate are described herein. The multi-use plate includes a first rim around a perimeter of the multi-use plate that encircles a first basin and a second basin. The multi-use plate further includes a second rim that separates the first basin and the second basin. The first basin includes a first basin floor and a first basin side wall at an obtuse angle to the first basin floor. The second basin includes a second basin floor and a second basin side wall at an obtuse angle to the second basin floor. The first basin extends down from the first rim at a first distance, whereas the second basin extends from the first rim at a second distance greater than the first distance. The multi-use plate further includes one or more support ribs extending from the second basin floor to the second rim towards the first basin floor to increase a moment of inertia.