Roller Grill Sign Collar for Heat-Resistant Quick Label Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller grill information display devices are complex, require opaque or clear coverings that are difficult to maintain and prone to contamination, and involve costly and labor-intensive sign changes.
Innovation Solution
A rolling information display apparatus with a heat-resistant, thimble-like collar that rotates on the roller grill, allowing for easy insertion and updating of product information signs without the need for opaque or clear coverings, using a removable and flexible product sign that securely engages with the collar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a clear cylinder or glass case is used to display product information on the roller grill, then the information is visible to customers, but the device requires constant cleaning to prevent contamination from cooking greases and oils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable adhesive labels that are inexpensive and easily replaceable. These labels are applied directly to the roller grill surface or to the food items themselves, eliminating the need for complex clear cylinder devices that require cleaning. The labels can be quickly changed without disassembly or maintenance, solving the contradiction between information visibility and maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the product information display function from the complex clear cylinder apparatus and simplifies it to adhesive labels applied directly to the roller grill or food items. This extraction removes the problematic glass or clear plastic enclosure that requires cleaning, while maintaining the essential function of displaying product information clearly to customers.
2Reliability
If a clear plastic or glass covering is used to protect the information sign, then the sign is protected from contamination, but the sign cannot be easily read by consumers due to grease and discoloration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable adhesive labels that are applied directly to the roller grill surface or food items without any clear plastic or glass covering. These labels are inherently resistant to grease and heat, and can be easily replaced when contaminated or changed. This eliminates the readability problem caused by grease accumulation on clear coverings while maintaining protection through the adhesive bond and disposable nature of the labels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of protecting the information sign with a clear covering that accumulates grease, the patent inverts the approach by using grease-resistant adhesive labels that are applied directly to the surface. The protection function is achieved through the adhesive bond and the disposable nature of the labels rather than through a clear plastic or glass barrier, thereby eliminating the readability issue.
3Loss of information
If a complex cylindrical sign device is used to display information on the roller grill, then the information can be displayed, but the device configuration becomes complicated and requires disassembly for sign changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core function of displaying product information from the complex cylindrical sign device and implements it through simple adhesive labels. This eliminates the need for clear cylinders, sealing mechanisms, and disassembly procedures. The information display function is achieved through a simple label application process that can be completed in seconds without any tools or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex, reusable cylindrical sign device with inexpensive disposable adhesive labels. These labels are designed for single-use application and easy replacement, eliminating the mechanical complexity of the prior art device. The labels can be applied and changed without any disassembly, tools, or complex configuration, solving the contradiction between information display and device complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a larger contact area device is placed on the roller grill to display information, then the device is stable, but food and cooking oils contaminate the device more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable adhesive labels that are applied directly to the roller grill surface or food items. These labels have minimal contact area with the food and cooking oils, reducing contamination. The disposable nature allows for easy replacement when any contamination occurs, eliminating the stability versus contamination contradiction by making the label replacement process simple and quick.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adhesive labels with localized contact areas directly to specific positions on the roller grill or food items. This localized application minimizes the contact area between the information display medium and contaminating substances like food and cooking oils, while maintaining stability through proper adhesive bonding to the substrate.
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
Provides clear and precise product information close to the food items, reduces maintenance costs and labor, and allows for frequent updates with minimal effort, while withstanding high temperatures and grease exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The collar device is heat resistant and is of a material which does not scratch or degrade the rolling heated surfaces of the roller grill during contact between the apparatus and the roller grill
Implementation Method 2
a round thimble-like collar having surfaces configured to roll when in contact with a roller grill element
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling information display apparatus and a method of displaying product information on a roller grill. A circular and symmetrical thimble device is configured to accept replaceable product information displays through the center of the device. The thimble acts as a collar for the product display information sign which is removable to allow for changing product information. The apparatus rolls along with the movement of the roller grill on which products are kept warmed in a typical retail display. The apparatus and the method of display disclosed allow for immediate labeling of products on a retail roller grill along with quick change capability to allow information to be changed in the thimble without the need to open up any apparatus or device.