Tray-Retaining Container Stand for Stable Fold-Out Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers lack the capability to securely retain and store trays during use and transportation, limiting their functionality for preparing and serving meals at picnics or outdoor events.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring internal and external tray retention portions, along with a support stand that prevents downward rotation of an extension portion, allowing secure retention and support of trays, enabling convenient use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays are placed on conventional containers without securing means, then users can prepare and serve meals, but the trays cannot be securely retained and may move or fall accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple functional zones: an internal tray retention portion formed in the lid with recesses and protrusions for securing trays during storage and transport, and an external tray retention portion on the extension surface for securing trays during use. This segmentation allows the container to provide secure tray retention in both stationary and mobile states.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension surface is designed to be rotatable relative to the container body, transitioning between a stowed position (flush with the body) and an extended position (protruding outward). This dynamic configuration allows the external tray retention portion to be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use, adapting to different operational requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a support stand is added to prevent downward rotation of the extension portion, then tray support stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand is designed to be self-supporting, utilizing its own structural integrity and geometric configuration to prevent downward rotation of the extension portion. The stand engages with the container body through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, motors, or complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The support stand acts as an intermediary element between the extension surface and the container body, providing mechanical support and stability. It transfers loads from the extension portion to the container body through a simple, elegant geometric relationship without requiring complex connection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the extension portion is made rotatable to provide external tray retention, then versatility is improved, but the risk of accidental downward rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand is positioned and configured to preemptively counteract the tendency of the extension portion to rotate downward under the weight of trays. By providing continuous geometric support and load transfer path, the stand prevents accidental rotation before it can occur, rather than relying on reactive measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension surface is pre-configured with an external tray retention portion that can securely hold trays in the extended position. The support stand is pre-positioned to provide immediate stability when the extension is deployed, ensuring that trays can be securely retained from the moment the extension is extended.
Data Source
AI summary
Containers with one or more tray retention portions and a support stand are described. For example, a container can include: a substantially hollow body including a plurality of body walls extending vertically from a bottom portion; an extension portion rotatably coupled to an outward-facing surface of a body wall among the plurality of body walls, the extension portion configured to rotate to an active position in which the extension portion extends outwardly from the body wall; and a support stand having a proximal end coupled to the outward-facing surface of the body wall and a distal end, the support stand configured to move between at least a stowed position in which the support stand is positioned against or proximate to the outward-facing surface of the body wall and a support position in which the support stand extends outwardly from the body wall.