Nested Food Tray with Steam Venting Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food trays either cause flavor and texture deterioration when heating low and high value food products together or pose a hazard due to steam buildup and sticking issues when trying to separate compartments.
Innovation Solution
A food tray design featuring a lower tray with a first food product and an upper tray nested loosely inside, with an air permeable interface to vent steam and a cover for convenience, allowing separate heating of low and high value food products while reducing spillage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a smaller tray is nested tightly within a larger tray to provide separate compartments for different food products, then the trays are stable during transport, but the smaller tray sticks in the larger tray and may be suddenly released causing spillage of hot food
Solution Approach 1:
The smaller tray is nested within the larger tray to provide separate compartments for different food products during transport and storage, maintaining stability while allowing for easy separation during use
Solution Approach 2:
The food tray system is divided into separate nested trays that can be easily separated, with the smaller tray designed to nest within the larger tray for transport but allow controlled removal for serving
2Stability of the object's composition
If a smaller tray is nested tightly within a larger tray to prevent movement, then the trays remain stable, but steam builds up in the lower tray and may be suddenly released when the smaller tray is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom tray incorporates steam vents that allow steam to escape during heating, preventing pressure buildup and sudden steam release when the trays are separated
Solution Approach 2:
Steam vents are pre-configured in the bottom tray to allow continuous steam escape during the heating process, preventing dangerous pressure accumulation before tray separation
3Device complexity
If a single compartment tray is used to heat food products, then the tray structure is simple, but flavors blend and textures deteriorate when heating low and high value food products together
Solution Approach 1:
A smaller tray is nested within a larger tray to create separate heating compartments, allowing different food products to be heated independently while maintaining a compact overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single tray is segmented into nested compartments that allow separate heating of different food products, preserving their individual flavors and textures while maintaining structural simplicity
4Reliability
If two compartments are placed beside each other in a food tray, then flavors do not blend during heating, but spooning sauce from one compartment to another for consumption is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The smaller tray containing sauce is nested within the larger tray, allowing the sauce to be easily poured or spooned over the main dish without requiring separate serving operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tray configuration transitions from horizontal side-by-side compartments to a vertical nested arrangement, enabling gravitational flow of sauce from the upper smaller tray to the lower larger tray for convenient serving
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 design enables separate and efficient heating of food products, reducing the risk of steam release and spillage, while being convenient and aesthetically pleasing for the user.
Implementation Method 1
an air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking
Data Source
AI summary
A food tray has a lower tray containing a first food product and an upper tray nested stably at least partly inside the lower tray, with the upper tray containing a second food product. An air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking. A cover is provided for the food tray. Each of the lower tray and the upper tray are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeable interface, such as lugs, ledges and lips. The upper tray may sit above the lower tray. The trays are nested loosely for ease of removal of the upper tray from the lower tray. Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve, carton or lid. The upper tray may contain the higher value food product.