Universal Stemware Rack With Flexible Retainers for Transit Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stemware presents a unique storage challenge in passenger transit due to its shape and size variations, making it difficult to secure without breakage, especially since it cannot be stacked or nested like flatware and serving dishes.
Innovation Solution
A stemware rack design featuring a base plate, posts, a retainer with elastic arms, and feet that securely accommodate the stem and base of stemware, using a tapered and annular stem receiving space and rounded protrusions to prevent slipping, allowing for flexible and robust storage of various stemware types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stemware is stored in traditional storage solutions, then other service items can be stored efficiently, but stemware cannot be securely stored due to its unique shape and size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage apparatus features a retainer with arms that have localized contact surfaces specifically shaped to engage with the stem and base of stemware. The arms can be positioned at different locations along the stemware components, providing localized support at critical points to prevent breakage while accommodating various stemware geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer arms are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the contact points and engagement parameters to be changed according to different stemware types. This enables the same apparatus to securely hold various stemware configurations by modifying the engagement parameters rather than requiring different storage solutions for each type.
2Ease of operation
If stemware is made accessible for use during transit, then crew and passengers can access it easily, but it becomes vulnerable to breakage and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust to different stemware sizes and shapes. The arms can be positioned to engage with various stemware configurations and then secured, providing continuous protection while allowing easy access when needed. This dynamic capability enables the apparatus to transition between secure storage and accessible states.
3Device complexity
If a single storage solution is used for all service items, then device complexity is reduced, but stemware storage requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The storage apparatus is designed as a multi-functional unit that can securely hold various types of service items including different stemware types, flatware, and serving dishes. The retainer mechanism with adjustable arms provides universal adaptability for stemware, while the base structure can accommodate other service items, eliminating the need for separate specialized storage solutions for each item type.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for securing one or more items of stemware includes a base plate, one or more posts, a retainer, and one or more feet. The feet and base plate cooperatively secure the base portion of the item of stemware, and the retainer includes arms defining a stem receiving space that secures the stem of the item of stemware. The feet are coupled to the arms. The arms are flexible so as to accommodate different sizes of stems and bases in stemware with a single rack.