Tray with Displaceable Rim for Easier Table Setting and Dining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tray tables with fixed edges pose challenges during storage and make eating and drinking uncomfortable due to the peripheral edge, which also complicates table setting and clearing.
Innovation Solution
A tray with a plate and edge that can be displaced relative to the plate, allowing the edge to lower when the tray is placed on a smaller surface, transforming the tray into a usable table top, enabling easy access and comfortable dining without edge interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the edge is firmly attached to the plate to form a stable tray structure, then the tray provides reliable containment for objects, but the edge cannot be lowered to facilitate comfortable dining and table setting
Solution Approach 1:
The edge is designed to be displaceable relative to the plate, allowing it to move between a raised position (for stable containment during transport) and a lowered position (for comfortable dining). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adapt its rigidity and edge height based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is divided into separable components: the plate and the edge, which can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the edge to be displaced downward when needed for dining while maintaining structural integrity during transport, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the tray has a fixed peripheral edge to prevent items from sliding off, then object containment is improved, but access to objects becomes difficult when the tray is placed on a smaller surface
Solution Approach 1:
The edge's height is made variable through displacement relative to the plate. When the tray is placed on a smaller surface, the edge can be lowered to improve accessibility to objects while still providing containment when raised, thus resolving the contradiction between containment and accessibility.
3Reliability
If the edge protrudes upwards from the plate to contain objects, then spill prevention is improved, but eating and drinking becomes uncomfortable due to edge interference
Solution Approach 1:
The edge can be dynamically adjusted between a raised position (for spill prevention during transport) and a lowered position (for comfortable dining). This resolves the contradiction by allowing the edge to provide containment only when necessary, eliminating interference during eating and drinking activities.
4Reliability
If the tray table has firmly attached table legs for stability, then structural support is improved, but storage becomes problematic due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed as a separable system where the plate and edge can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the tray to be easily stored in compact spaces without firmly attached legs, while still providing structural support when in use through the displacement mechanism of the edge.
5Ease of manufacture
If the tray is designed with a fixed edge configuration for simple manufacturing, then production ease is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces and uses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tray incorporates a simple displacement mechanism that allows the edge to move relative to the plate. This dynamic feature is easily integrated into manufacturing while providing adaptability to different surfaces and uses, thus resolving the contradiction between production simplicity and versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tray (2) with a base (3) and a rim (4). To facilitate setting and clearing a table, it is proposed that the rim (4) be displaceable relative to the base (3). The invention also relates to a system (1) comprising this tray (2) and a tabletop (6a), wherein the base (3) and the tabletop (6a) are dimensioned such that the rim (4) displaces relative to the base (3) when a tray (2) with its base (3) is placed on the tabletop (6a).