Stackable Skewer Holder Segmentation and Tapered Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for composing skewers of meat are labor-intensive and costly due to the complexity of alternating different ingredients, requiring multiple holders with varying cup-shaped recess sizes and leading to skewer deviation and increased force requirements, resulting in inefficient and expensive skewer preparation.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising stackable holders with adjustable cup-shaped recesses and tapered passages allows for easy filling and stacking of ingredients, ensuring straight skewer application without deviation, using positioning means for efficient assembly and disassembly, and facilitating easy skewer removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holders with different cup-shaped recess sizes are used to accommodate different ingredients, then the adaptability for various ingredient combinations is improved, but the device complexity and assembly/disassembly work increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for various ingredient combinationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into a first holder portion and a second holder portion that can be separated from each other. The passage is formed through both portions, allowing the holder to be assembled and disassembled easily. This segmentation enables the use of a single standardized holder design for different ingredient combinations without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If force is exerted to prevent skewer deviation during insertion, then the manufacturing precision of skewer placement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskewer placement precisionVSAvoidease of skewer insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A tapered guide portion is provided in the passage to guide the skewer during insertion. This intermediary structure directs the skewer along the correct path, preventing deviation without requiring excessive force from the operator, thus maintaining both precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If larger diameter skewers are used to prevent deviation, then the reliability of skewer insertion is improved, but the cost and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of skewer insertionVSAvoidease of skewer insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered guide portion acts as an intermediary that ensures reliable skewer insertion by directing it properly, allowing the use of standard thinner skewers instead of requiring larger diameter skewers. This maintains reliability while improving ease of operation and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If holders consist of multiple coupled elements, then the adaptability for different ingredient sizes is improved, but the productivity decreases due to assembly/disassembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different ingredient sizesVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is segmented into two separable portions that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. This segmentation, combined with the standardized design, allows for rapid setup changes between different ingredient combinations, maintaining adaptability while minimizing the time loss associated with assembly and disassembly, thus preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick and cost-effective composition of skewers with various ingredients by simplifying the assembly process, reducing labor, and preventing skewer deviation, thus improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of skewer preparation.

Implementation Method 1

The passages are provided with a tapered guide which makes it even more easy to apply a skewer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTapered geometry guidance: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP2048960B1Method and device for the composition of satÉs
Publication Date: 2010.09.22 N V JIP
  • EP2048960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2048960B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2048960B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device (1) comprising a number of holders (2) that can be stacked and which are each provided with at least one cup-shaped recess (3) having an open side (4) and an opposite bottom (5), in which there is a passage (6) for applying a skewer (13) in a direction that follows the stacking direction (BB') for the holders (2), whereby the holders (2) are split at the aforesaid passage (6) so as to form several parts (7). Method for composing skewers of meat (16), whereby use is made of an aforesaid device (1).