Stepped Oyster Coaster Design for Stable Multi-Size Shell Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oyster presentation devices, particularly for at-home use, fail to stabilize oysters of varying sizes and shapes, leading to potential spillage and inadequate presentation, and lack versatility in accommodating different oyster sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

An oyster coaster with a stepped surface design featuring a continuous body, skirt, and multiple steps of progressively smaller circumferences to stabilize oysters, allowing for stable placement and versatile presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional aluminum trays or dishes are used to serve oysters, then oysters can be presented, but oysters of varying sizes and shapes cannot be stabilized, leading to potential spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of oyster placementVSAvoidaccommodation of varying oyster sizes and shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster is divided into multiple stepped surfaces with progressively smaller circumferences, creating distinct zones that can accommodate oysters of different sizes. Each step provides a specific landing zone that stabilizes the oyster shell at an optimal angle, preventing spillage while adapting to various oyster dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the coaster have different geometries and elevations tailored to specific needs. The stepped surfaces provide localized support zones with varying circumferences and heights, allowing each area to optimize for stabilizing oysters of particular sizes and shapes, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single-level surface is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different oyster sizes and shapes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different oyster sizesVSAvoidstepped surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster surface is segmented into multiple stepped levels, each with progressively smaller circumferences. This segmentation creates distinct zones that can accommodate oysters of different sizes, transforming a simple single-level surface into a versatile multi-level structure that adapts to various oyster dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional stepped structure by adding vertical height variation. This dimensional change allows the coaster to accommodate different oyster sizes and shapes more effectively, as each step provides a specific elevation and circumference optimized for particular oyster types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate coasters are used to accommodate different oyster sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various oyster typesVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coaster functions are merged into a single integrated structure. The stepped surfaces with progressively smaller circumferences combine what would otherwise require multiple separate coasters, allowing accommodation of various oyster sizes and shapes in one unified device, thereby reducing component count and simplifying storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single coaster structure performs multiple functions by incorporating stepped surfaces of different sizes. Each step serves as a functional zone for different oyster types, making the device universal and multi-functional, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coasters while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If oysters are placed on flat surfaces without support structures, then the device is simple, but presentation quality and stability are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of spillageVSAvoidsupport structure design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple stepped levels that provide progressive support for the oyster shell. This segmentation creates stable zones at different elevations, preventing spillage by ensuring the oyster rests at an optimal angle, while the modular stepped design keeps the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stepped surfaces incorporate curved transitions and rounded edges that naturally guide and stabilize the oyster shell. The curvature of the steps provides ergonomic support that enhances stability and presentation quality without requiring complex mechanical support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20260020702A1Oyster coaster

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 COASTAL CREATIVE LLC

AI summary

Present embodiments relate to a stackable oyster coaster comprising a continuous body with a series of steps formed therein.