Stackable Ham Cooking Chute Structure for Buckling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Longer chutes in stackable units for cooking ham lack the necessary rigidity to maintain a constant section along their length, leading to potential buckling under weight and inconsistent cooking conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of vertical columns on each longitudinal profile to enhance rigidity and alignment studs for precise stacking, ensuring a constant section between the chute and lid across the stackable units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length of chutes is increased to accommodate larger hams, then the cooking capacity is improved, but the rigidity of the frame deteriorates causing buckling under weight
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple longitudinal profiles (at least three) distributed along the chute length. Each profile acts as an independent structural element, distributing the load and preventing buckling while accommodating longer chutes for larger hams.
Solution Approach 2:
Transverse sections are introduced as intermediary elements connecting the longitudinal profiles. These transverse sections provide additional structural support and rigidity to the frame, preventing buckling of individual longitudinal profiles under the weight of long hams.
2Ease of manufacture
If folded sheet longitudinal profiles are used to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates as constant section cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple longitudinal profiles (at least three) that are distributed along the chute. This segmentation allows each profile to maintain its shape independently, ensuring constant section throughout the chute length while still using simple folded sheet construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal profiles are positioned at specific locations (including at least one at each end and one in the middle) to provide localized structural support. This strategic positioning ensures constant section maintenance in critical areas while keeping the overall construction simple.
3Ease of operation
If alignment studs with conical ends are used to facilitate stacking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex alignment mechanisms, the patent uses simple conical studs that fit into corresponding holes. The conical shape provides self-alignment through geometric constraint, simplifying the stacking operation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical alignment studs provide self-aligning functionality during stacking. The conical geometry automatically guides the upper stackable unit into correct alignment with the lower unit, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The unit (100a) has a transverse section (102a) connected to a longitudinal section (104a) to realize a framework, and a chute (106a) provided at inner side of the framework to receive a food product. A cover (108a) of the unit (100a) covers a chute (106b) of a lower stackable unit (100b). Vertical pillars (110a) are fixed on the longitudinal section. An upper face of the pillars (110a) is supported on a lower surface of a pillar of a third upper stackable unit. A lower face of the pillars is supported on an upper surface of a pillar (110b) of the unit (100b) or a floor (202).