Stacking tray system and stackable cookware set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stacking cookware in a haphazard manner can lead to damage of non-stick coatings and make it difficult to organize and store cookware efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A stacking tray system with multiple trays designed to support cookware, featuring slots and ribs to prevent direct contact between cookware pieces and facilitate organized storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cookware is stacked directly upon one another in a haphazard manner, then storage space is utilized, but the inner surface of cookware may be damaged and organization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A stacking tray is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent cookware pieces. The tray includes a bottom wall, sidewalls, and a flange that rests on the rim of lower cookware while supporting upper cookware. This mediator prevents direct contact between cookware surfaces, eliminating damage to non-stick coatings while maintaining compact vertical stacking for efficient storage.
2Reliability
If stacking trays are used to prevent cookware contact, then cookware surface damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking tray is divided into distinct functional segments: a bottom wall for structural support, sidewalls for containing cookware, and a flange for engagement with cookware rims. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stacking trays can be nested within each other when not in use, with smaller trays fitting inside larger ones. This nesting capability reduces the storage footprint of the trays themselves and simplifies the overall system by allowing the protective components to be compact when not actively protecting cookware.
3Ease of operation
If multiple stacking trays are used to organize cookware, then storage organization is enhanced, but loss of time occurs during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking trays are pre-configured with standardized dimensions, wall heights, and flange geometries that are optimized for common cookware sizes. This preliminary design allows users to quickly assemble and disassemble stacks without needing to measure or adjust components, reducing the time required while maintaining excellent organization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking trays are designed as universal components that can accommodate various types and sizes of cookware through the adjustable flange position and standardized opening dimensions. This multi-functionality means a single tray design can protect different cookware pieces, reducing the number of different components users need to handle and assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking system including a plurality of stacking trays, each stacking tray being configured to support a corresponding cookware is provided. Each stacking tray may include a bottom wall, a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall, and a flange extending radially outward from an upper portion of the sidewall. A stackable cookware set having a plurality of stacking trays and a plurality of cookware is also provided.