Pan support apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pan storage systems lack efficient methods for supporting and covering open-top pans, particularly in food service settings, where easy access and storage of pans with minimal disruption are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A modular pan support system with slide surfaces and a removable cover that allows pans to be slid into and out of storage space without requiring support from the bottom, using retainers to secure the cover in place and allowing for easy access and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pan support system with bottom support structure is used, then the pan is securely supported, but the pan cannot be easily slid in and out and the bottom cannot be easily accessed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the pan from the bottom, the patent inverts the support approach by supporting the pan from the rim/edge. The slide surfaces engage the rim of the pan, allowing the pan to be supported without bottom support structure, enabling easy sliding in and out while maintaining secure support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bottom support structure from the pan support system. By removing the bottom support element and replacing it with rim-based support via slide surfaces, the system achieves both easy operability for sliding pans and secure support through the rim engagement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed cover system is used, then the pan is securely covered, but the cover cannot be easily removed for access or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic state with multiple positions. The cover can be securely engaged to cover the pan, partially retracted to allow access to the pan, and fully removed for cleaning. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction between secure coverage and easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be preliminarily positioned in different states (engaged, partially retracted, fully removed) based on anticipated needs. The system prepares for both secure coverage and easy access by allowing the cover to be positioned in advance in the appropriate state.
3Reliability
If retainers are used to secure the cover, then the cover is held in place, but the retainers require actuation for cover removal which complicates operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is designed to be self-actuating through the natural motion of removing or inserting the pan. When the pan is removed, the cover automatically disengages from the retainers without requiring separate actuation. The pan itself serves as the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for manual retainer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pan acts as an intermediary that mediates between the cover and the retainers. The pan's removal or insertion motion automatically triggers the cover's engagement or disengagement from the retainers, simplifying the operation by using the pan as the triggering mechanism rather than requiring direct retainer actuation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with multiple mounting elevations is used, then the system is highly adaptable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete mounting elements positioned at different elevations. Each mounting element is a simple, standardized component that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This segmentation allows for high adaptability across multiple elevations while keeping each individual mounting element simple and the overall system manageable in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Pan support apparatus, systems, and methods. A pan support system includes a pan support having a pan storage space sized for receiving at least a portion of a pan. The pan support includes at least one slide surface for slidably receiving and supporting the pan in the pan storage space. A cover for covering an open top of the pan is selectively receivable in and removable from the pan storage space. A retainer retains the cover in the pan storage space. A pan storage module including a pan support is releasably mountable at a plurality of elevations on a frame.