Plate covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plate and protection cover systems lack the ability to selectively stack individual plate covers in a protracted configuration for display and/or a collapsed configuration for stowing.
Innovation Solution
A plate cover system with slidably engaging channels on its sidewalls allows for transition between protracted and collapsed configurations by adjusting the inner and outer diameters of the channels, enabling plate covers to stack and nest, with retention mechanisms for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plate covers are stacked in a protracted configuration for display, then accessibility and display capability are improved, but storage space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate cover system employs dynamic stacking configurations that allow transition between protracted (display) and collapsed (storage) states. The channels and retention mechanisms enable the stack height to be adjusted dynamically, providing both accessibility when needed and compact storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple plate covers are nested within each other using channels formed in the sidewalls. The channels of upper plate covers receive the sidewalls of lower plate covers, creating a nested arrangement that reduces overall stack height while maintaining individual plate cover accessibility through selective engagement.
2Volume of stationary object
If plate covers are stacked in a collapsed configuration for stowing, then storage space efficiency is improved, but display capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic transition between collapsed and protracted configurations. Retention mechanisms can be engaged or disengaged from channels to transform the stack from a compact storage state to an expanded display state, providing adaptability for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate cover stack serves multiple functions: it provides compact storage when plate covers are not needed, and it enables display and accessibility when plate covers are removed or the stack is expanded. The channel-retention mechanism system supports both storage and display functions within the same structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If channels reduce inner and outer diameters for engagement, then stacking stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls of plate covers are segmented with channels that create reduced diameter sections. These channels are formed as distinct features in the sidewall structure, allowing the molding process to create the varying diameters in a single operation without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer diameters of the plate cover sidewalls are varied along the vertical axis to create channels. This parameter change in diameter is achieved through standard injection molding techniques that can produce non-uniform cross-sections, avoiding the need for post-manufacturing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a plate cover system having a plurality of plate covers that can be configured to stack upon each other in a protracted configuration and/or or a collapsed configuration. In one embodiment, a first plate cover can be used to support a second plate cover by placing the second plate cover on top of the first plate cover, wherein a volume of space exists between the first plate cover and the second plate cover. The system can be transitioned between the protracted configuration and the collapsed configuration by slidably engaging channels disposed on sidewalls of the plate covers. Some embodiments include a rotation retention mechanism for securing the plate covers in place when in a protected or a collapsed configuration.