Sinusoidal Vegetation Drying Tray with Airflow Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vegetation drying apparatus with perforated planar sheet pans result in suboptimal drying times and increased risk of contamination due to inadequate air flow and surface contact, leading to mold, mildew, and pest issues.
Innovation Solution
A vegetation drying tray and rack system with a thin-walled base featuring peaks and valleys for minimal contact and enhanced air flow, along with identification plaques for status indication and anti-microbial additives to reduce contamination risks, and access controls for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a planar sheet pan with perforations is used, then air flow through the bottom is enabled, but excessive contact between the pan surface and vegetation inhibits drying efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tray base is formed with a sinusoidal configuration featuring peaks and valleys, replacing the flat planar surface. This curved, undulating surface reduces the contact area between the tray and vegetation, allowing improved air circulation around plant material while maintaining structural integrity of the tray.
2Loss of time
If increased air flow is implemented, then drying time is reduced, but contamination risk from mold and pests increases due to surface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sinusoidal base configuration creates peaks and valleys that minimize surface contact points with vegetation. This curvature design allows air to circulate more freely through and around the plant material, accelerating drying while reducing stagnant contact zones where mold and pests could develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray incorporates antimicrobial and anti-pest additives into its material composition, creating a porous or chemically treated surface that resists contamination. This allows the tray to maintain its function while protecting against mold and pest infestation that could occur during the drying process.
3Productivity
If tray stacking is enabled, then storage efficiency is improved, but unauthorized access to vegetation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into multiple individual tray levels that can be stacked vertically. Each tray is a separate, removable unit that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows efficient vertical storage while enabling controlled access points at each level, reducing the need for complete rack access and thereby limiting unauthorized contact with vegetation.
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 system reduces drying time and minimizes contamination risks while providing visual status indicators and security measures, ensuring thorough and efficient drying with reduced contact and improved ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of apertures are formed in the base. The apertures enable passage of air to drying vegetation on the tray.
Implementation Method 2
The peaks and valleys are spaced from one another with a distance between peak axes from 1/4 to 3 inches.
Implementation Method 3
The trays may further include an anti-fungal additive.
Implementation Method 4
An identification feature communicates the status of the tray to the user. The identification feature comprises a plate including one or more visual indications including at least one of color orientation or physical configuration indicating the status.
Data Source
AI summary
A vegetation tray includes a base. The base is formed from a thin wall having a plurality of spaced peaks and valleys. A plurality of apertures are in the base. The apertures enables passage of air for drying vegetation on the tray. A boundary wall extending from the base.