Steam Table Pan Geometry 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 due to improper fitting and inadequate water depth, which affects cooking efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
The improved disposable aluminum steam table pan is designed with a longer inside length and the same outside length as the unimproved pan, featuring a rolled bead angle increase and a deeper base to prevent bead overlap and accommodate more water, ensuring secure nesting and better heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inside length of the steam table pan is increased to accommodate half pans without bead overlap, then the nesting stability and safety are improved, but the outside length increases which may affect compatibility with existing lids and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inside length parameter of the steam table pan while maintaining the outside length parameter, thereby resolving the contradiction between nesting stability and equipment compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the interior dimensions (inside length) while keeping the exterior dimensions (outside length) unchanged, allowing the pan to accommodate half pans without bead overlap while maintaining compatibility with existing lids
2Productivity
If the continuous sidewall is made longer to increase water capacity and improve heating, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the height parameter of the continuous sidewall to increase water capacity and improve heating efficiency, while the manufacturing process remains a simple stamping operation that forms the deeper well in a single step
3Reliability
If the rolled bead angle is increased to prevent bead overlap, then the nesting safety is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angle parameter of the rolled bead to prevent overlap, and this geometric modification is achieved through standard stamping processes without requiring enhanced precision controls
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
This design allows for safe and efficient nesting of half pans without overlap, proper lid sealing, and enhanced heating performance by allowing more water and better heat transfer, reducing the risk of accidents and improving cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Water is then placed in the bottom pan, which is heated by the burners
Implementation Method 2
The burners which are warming the water will then keep the food warm/hot while it is being served
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 a 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 longer 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.