Temperature regulation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional food service equipment is limited in accommodating food pans of varying depths, requiring separate setups for different pan depths, which is inefficient and inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A temperature regulation device with a housing that includes adjustable height mechanisms, such as guide tracks and catch systems, allowing the device to be positioned in different configurations within the well to accommodate food pans of different depths, enabling the use of multiple pan depths with a single setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional food service equipment is designed to support one specific depth of food pan, then the device structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate food pans with varying depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying pan depthsVSAvoidadjustable height mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with adjustable height mechanisms including guide tracks and catch systems that allow the housing to be positioned at multiple heights within the well. This dynamic adjustability enables the same equipment to accommodate food pans of varying depths while maintaining structural stability through defined positioning points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature regulation device is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different pan depths within a single setup. The adjustable housing can be repositioned to accommodate various pan configurations, eliminating the need for separate equipment for different pan depths and enhancing overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed height housing is used, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the equipment cannot be used with multiple pan depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-depth pan supportVSAvoidadjustable mechanism assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into adjustable segments with independent height control mechanisms. The guide tracks and catch systems are segmented into discrete positioning points, allowing modular assembly and adjustment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable height mechanism is added, then versatility for different pan depths is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable positioning capabilityVSAvoidguide and track system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tracks and catch systems serve as intermediary mechanisms that simplify the adjustment process. These components mediate between the user's adjustment action and the housing position, providing smooth, controlled movement and stable positioning without requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10426292B2Temperature regulation device

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 VOLLRATH

AI summary

Temperature regulation devices for heating food are disclosed. The temperature regulation device is configured to heat food held in a food pan positioned in a well of food service equipment. The temperature regulation device includes a module or housing and heating element, and is configurable in a variety of positions, orientations, locations, or configurations relative to the well and the food pans to accommodate a variety of sizes and configurations of food pans.