Rack Holder with C-Shaped Bracket for Safe Hot Rack Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rack holders for metal racks in heated environments are prone to damage, and existing heat protection methods are impractical for submerged racks, posing safety risks and ergonomic challenges for operators.
Innovation Solution
A rack holder with a C-shaped bracket, support bar, and handle support, made from heat-resistant materials like stainless steel or PTFE, providing a secure and ergonomic way to grasp and transport racks from cooking environments without causing harm to operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rack holders or clamps are used to grasp metal racks, then operators can manipulate the racks, but the structure of metal racks may be damaged or weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the rack holder with C-shaped bracket and support bar) that mediates between the operator's hand and the rack structure. This intermediary allows grasping and manipulation while distributing force through the bracket's geometry rather than concentrating it on vulnerable rack portions, thus preventing damage to the rack's structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If rack handles are built into the rack structure, then operators can grasp the racks, but the handles may weaken over time and become broken or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the handling function from the rack structure itself by providing a separate, removable rack holder device. Instead of relying on integrated handles that are part of the rack and subject to the same structural stresses, the handling capability is taken out as a独立的装置 (independent device) that attaches to the rack only when needed for manipulation, thereby eliminating the reliability issue of weakened integrated handles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional heat protection devices like oven mitts are used, then operators are protected from heat, but they are not practical when racks are completely submerged in hot oil
Solution Approach 1:
The rack holder serves as a heat-resistant intermediary tool that allows operators to manipulate racks in extreme heat environments including deep frying. By providing a long handle and heat-resistant construction, it mediates the interaction between the operator and the hot rack, enabling safe operation where direct hand contact or traditional mitts would be inadequate or impractical
4Volume of moving object
If racks are disposed in low lying areas, then space is optimized, but operators must bend awkwardly causing injury and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The rack holder features a long handle with specific dimensional characteristics designed to extend the operator's reach. The local quality of the handle length and geometry allows the operator to interact with racks in low positions without compromising posture, distributing the ergonomic stress and enabling safe manipulation even when racks are disposed in space-optimized low lying areas
Data Source
AI summary
A rack holder configured to securely hold a rack or tray used to hold food items during cooking is described. The rack holder may include bracket with a lower lip and a top lip. The bracket may be affixed to a support bar with an offset portion extending downward. The support bar may also include a handle support portion where one or more handles are affixed to the rack holder. The rack holder may provide a fitting engagement with a rack to remove the rack from a cooking environment and to transport the rack to another preparation station.