Pizza warming serve tray device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pizza pans fail to maintain the ideal temperature of a pizza after it is removed from the oven, leading to rapid cooling and a decrease in quality, as they do not effectively retain heat.

Innovation Solution

A pizza warming serve tray device comprising a pan made of a bonded metal alloy, coated with food-grade silicone, paired with an induction base heating unit that heats the pan to an optimal temperature range of 190-220°F, indicated by red, yellow, and green indicator lights, ensuring the pizza stays at an optimal temperature for consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional serving tray or pan is used to hold pizza after cooking, then the pizza can be served and transported, but the temperature of the pizza drops rapidly and the quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepizza temperatureVSAvoidtemperature retention time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pan is pre-heated to a specific temperature range (190-220°F) before the pizza is placed on it. This preliminary heating action ensures that when the pizza is transferred, the pan's thermal energy is already optimized to maintain the pizza at an optimal serving temperature for an extended period, preventing rapid cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the serving pan by using a bonded metal alloy construction with specific thermal properties. The pan is designed to hold and maintain heat within a specific temperature range, transforming the pan from a passive serving vessel to an active temperature-maintaining device that extends the pizza's optimal temperature duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the pan is heated to maintain pizza temperature, then the pizza stays hot longer, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature retention timeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bonded metal alloy pan is designed to retain heat continuously without requiring active heating during the serving period. The pan's thermal mass and conductivity are optimized to provide continuous passive heat transfer to the pizza, maintaining temperature without additional energy input throughout the serving duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by stationary object

If a bonded metal alloy pan is used with induction heating, then temperature control and energy efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional electric coil or gas heating systems with an induction heating system. The induction base uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the bonded metal alloy pan, eliminating the need for physical contact heating elements or flame control mechanisms. This substitution improves energy efficiency while the integrated indicator lights provide simple visual feedback, keeping the user interface uncomplicated despite the advanced heating technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device significantly extends the time a pizza remains at an optimal temperature, increasing the cooling time by up to 160% compared to standard pans, maintaining the quality and enjoyment of the pizza.

Implementation Method 1

an induction base heating unit that heats the pan to an optimal temperature range of 190-220°F

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

the pan is coated with a molded, food-grade silicone to insulate the heat contained within the pan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20230292953A1Pizza warming serve tray device

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 FIRST PRINCETON ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pizza warming serve tray device for increasing the length of time a pizza stays at an optimal temperature for consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises a pan and an induction base heating unit, wherein the material of the pan is a bonded metal alloy, and wherein the pan is coated with a molded, food-grade silicone to insulate the heat contained within the pan. The device of the present invention drastically increases the total length of time a pizza remains in the optimal temperature range.