Serving tray with inner raised surface and methods for manufacturing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current serving trays with textured surfaces or rubber/cork inserts are not foolproof against items sliding or tipping due to condensation, and these materials degrade over time, leading to increased accidents and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A serving tray with a top surface made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a textured relief pattern, integrated with an inner support structure and multiple layers of glass fiber filaments and polycarbonate resin, providing enhanced friction and durability, and a manufacturing method using compression molding to create a stable and moisture-resistant design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a textured surface with ridges or protrusions is created to prevent items from sliding, then friction is increased, but the textured surface can become slick when condensation accumulates on it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the friction surface by using rubber, cork, or thermoplastic elastomer inserts instead of traditional rigid textured surfaces. These materials maintain their friction properties even when wet, as their elastic and hydrophobic characteristics prevent condensation from creating a slick surface, thus maintaining reliable friction force in humid conditions.
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 tray maintains items upright even at 45 degrees and resists moisture, ensuring stability and longevity, with the textured relief and TPU insert preventing slipping and the layered structure enhancing durability and ease of stacking.
Implementation Method 1
The insert, the least two layers of randomly distributed and continuous glass fiber filament sheets, the at least two layers of crisscrossed interlocking glass fiber sheets with a chemical binder, and the interstitial layer of polycarbonate resin are then compressed against the lower tool portion of the compression molding apparatus
Implementation Method 2
at least two layers of crisscrossed interlocking glass fiber sheets with a chemical binder
Data Source
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AI summary
A serving tray comprised of at least one synthetic material and an insert which provides a non-slip top surface of the serving tray. The textured relief is preferably made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which allows a glass or other item to be placed on the serving tray without the item sliding or slipping while the tray is in motion. As the tray is being fabricated, the TPU is mechanically bonded with the top surface of the tray while a textured relief is simultaneously defined into the top surface. The textured relief provides adequate frictional force to an item being placed on the tray so as to substantially prevent its lateral movement. The tray also includes an inner support structure disposed on its inner surface. The inner support structure provides an upward facing edge which allows a plurality of trays to be easily and efficiently stacked or nested on one another