Stackable Modular Catering Platter System for Space-Efficient Food Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food presentation and storage systems require multiple separate containers, leading to inefficient use of space and inconvenience in transportation, storage, and presentation, especially in catering and shopping environments where maximizing display and storage space is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising stackable platters, containers, and covers that can be used for both hot and cold food applications, featuring a sectional base and bowl design with radial ribs for compartmentalization and structural integrity, allowing for efficient space usage and flexible presentation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate containers are used for food transport and presentation, then food can be transported and presented, but space requirement increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport container and presentation platter into a single integrated unit. The container body serves as both the transport vessel and the presentation platter, eliminating the need for separate containers. This merging reduces the number of components and the total space required while maintaining both transport and presentation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the transport container, the presentation platter, and the serving dish. The integrated design allows the same object to be used for transport, display, and serving, thereby reducing the overall space requirement and improving convenience by eliminating the need to transfer food between separate containers.
2Quantity of substance
If separate containers are used for each food item, then food items can be separated, but the number of containers and bags increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into multiple compartments or sections that can separately hold different food items. This segmentation allows different foods to be kept separate within a single container unit, reducing the total number of separate containers needed while maintaining food separation. The compartmentalized design provides individual sections for different foods without requiring multiple separate container sets.
3Ease of operation
If food is removed from transport containers and rearranged onto serving dishes, then aesthetically pleasing presentation is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the transport container and presentation platter into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need to transfer food between separate containers. The food remains in the same container throughout transport and presentation, eliminating the time-consuming step of removing and rearranging food while maintaining aesthetically pleasing presentation through the container's own design.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If serving trays are used for long term storage, then food can be stored, but storage space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal side-by-side arrangement to vertical stacking arrangement. Multiple container units can be stacked vertically to create storage towers, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This dimensional change significantly increases storage capacity within the same footprint and improves space efficiency while maintaining long-term storage capability through the container's sealable design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for displaying, transporting, storing, and serving food that includes stackable catering platters, containers, and covers. The system provides a modular catering platter system for use in both hot and cold food applications, even at the same time. At least two stackable sectional platters are provided including a larger sectional base and a smaller top section that stackably mate directly with each other.