Steam Table Pan Dimensional Design to Prevent Half-Pan Bead Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam pans do not allow proper nesting of half pans, leading to bead overlap, spills, and accidents, and have insufficient depth for effective heating and water retention.
Innovation Solution
The improved disposable aluminum steam table pan is designed with a longer inside length and increased sidewall depth to prevent bead overlap, maintain compatibility with existing lids, and position the bottom base closer to burners, allowing for better water holding and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inside length of the steam table pan is increased to prevent bead overlap when nesting half pans, then the nesting safety and stability are improved, but the compatibility with existing lids is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by changing the dimensional configuration of the pan. Specifically, it increases the inside length while maintaining the outside length, effectively utilizing the wall thickness dimension to accommodate the longer inside length without increasing the external footprint. This allows the pan to hold two half pans without bead overlap while still fitting existing lids.
2Productivity
If the continuous sidewall length is increased to position the bottom base closer to burners and increase water capacity, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the continuous sidewall length parameter. The sidewall is made longer to increase the water capacity and position the bottom base closer to the burners, thereby improving heating efficiency. The patent maintains manufacturability by keeping the overall design within standard forming capabilities and by compensating for the longer sidewall with adjusted dimensions in other areas to maintain the same outside length.
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
The solution ensures safe and efficient nesting of half pans, proper lid sealing, and enhanced heating performance by preventing bead overlap and increasing water capacity, reducing the risk of spills and burns while improving heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Water is then placed in the bottom pan, which is heated by the burners. A smaller pan or multiple smaller pans with food are then nested within the bottom pan. The burners which are warming the water will then keep the food warm/hot
Implementation Method 2
Water is then placed in the bottom pan, which is heated by the burners. A smaller pan or multiple smaller pans with food are then nested within the bottom pan. The burners which are warming the water will then keep the food warm/hot
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improved disposable aluminum pan for use with a chaffing rack and a pair of half pans. The pan includes a base terminating to a sidewall and an rim, which terminates to a rolled bead. The pan includes an inside length measured longitudinally across opposing sidewalls from the inside edge of the rim. The inside length is configured to be shorter than a corresponding inside length of an unimproved pan. The pair of half pans when nested side by side in the improved pan can have adjacent sides of the half pans lay without overlap. The pan also allows for a lid to fit better. The pan also includes a deeper well such that the bottom is positioned closer to burners in the chaffing rack and allows more water to be added during the heating process.