Tray assembly for a cutting board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting boards often diminish available kitchen workspace when used for chopping food, as chopped materials accumulate and require additional storage or clearance, leading to reduced efficiency and cramped conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tray assembly with adjustable legs and a plate having extendable trays that secure beneath a raised cutting board, providing additional storage and space while maintaining countertop protection, with trays that can be used as waste bins or for storing food and retracting for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cutting board is used for chopping food, then food preparation function is provided, but available kitchen workspace is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by raising the cutting board above the countertop surface using adjustable legs. This elevation creates under-board space that can be used for storage, effectively adding a third dimension to the workspace organization without occupying additional horizontal countertop area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting board system is segmented into multiple functional zones: the elevated cutting surface for active food preparation, and the under-board tray area for storing chopped ingredients or waste. This segmentation allows simultaneous use of both areas, maintaining productivity while optimizing space utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If receptacles are placed alongside the cutting board to receive discarded food, then storage for chopped material is provided, but countertop space is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the storage function with the cutting board structure itself by incorporating trays beneath the board. Instead of placing separate receptacles on the countertop, the storage containers are integrated into the cutting board assembly, eliminating the need for additional countertop space while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage capacity is increased by utilizing the vertical space beneath the elevated cutting board. The trays are positioned in the under-board region, effectively using the vertical dimension to provide storage without encroaching on the horizontal countertop workspace.
3Ease of operation
If the cutting board is raised above the surface using adjustable legs, then workspace organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting board system incorporates adjustable legs that can be modified in height and position. This dynamic adjustment capability allows users to customize the elevation and angle of the cutting board to suit different workspace configurations and user preferences, improving ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray assembly for use with an existing cutting board to provide additional storage and space when cooking. The assembly includes at least two adjustable legs that are securable to the cutting board for either raising the cutting board above a surface or suspending the cutting board between two walls, such as a sink. One end of each leg includes a fastener, such as a C-clamp for attaching to the cutting board. The assembly further includes four trays movably secured to a plate. The plate is configured to rest beneath the cutting board when in a raised position. Each tray is positioned along a distinct sidewall of the plate and configured to extend beyond the edges of the cutting board when extended. For additional storage, a divider frame secures to each tray when in the extended position, forming an additional center tray.