Drinks Tray Finger Support for Tipping Control and Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trays for carrying drinks are prone to tipping, leading to spillage and breakage due to insufficient control mechanisms, with existing solutions like flexible straps being cumbersome and rigid handles causing fatigue, and not allowing efficient stacking.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing device with a finger support member and spacer elements that can move between closed and open positions, allowing users to insert their fingers for better control, integrated with the tray for enhanced stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible strap is provided on the underside of the tray for hand insertion, then the user can gain some control over the tray, but the arrangement becomes cumbersome and does not provide sufficient control to counteract tipping moments
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilising device is divided into distinct functional components: a finger support member for control, spacer elements for positioning, and pivotal connections for movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the cumulative complexity of a single integrated strap system.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger support member is connected via pivotal connections that allow it to move between a closed position (flush with tray underside) and an open position (spaced from tray). This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different operational states - providing control when needed and allowing easy stacking when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If a rigid carrying handle is fixed to the underside of the tray, then the user can grasp the tray for carrying, but considerable energy is expended causing fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a rigid handle providing uniform support, the finger support member provides localized support precisely where the user's fingers contact it. The pivotal connections allow the support to adapt to the natural curvature and positioning of human fingers, distributing the load more efficiently and reducing muscle fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters - specifically the distance between the finger support member and the tray underside - depending on operational requirements. When carrying, the member is spaced away to provide leverage; when stacking, it returns to a closed position minimizing energy expenditure and allowing compact storage.
3Ease of operation
If the finger support member is always spaced from the tray underside, then the user can easily insert fingers for control, but the trays cannot be efficiently stacked when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The finger support member transitions between two dynamic states: an open position where it is spaced from the tray underside to allow finger insertion and provide control, and a closed position where it is substantially flush with the tray underside to minimize profile height and enable efficient stacking of multiple trays.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilising device is segmented into movable and fixed components, with the finger support member able to independently change position relative to the tray body. This segmentation allows the control function to be activated only when needed, while the overall tray structure maintains a compact form for storage and stacking.
4Volume of moving object
If the finger support member is substantially flush with the tray underside, then the trays can be efficiently stacked, but the user cannot insert fingers for control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the finger support member based on operational requirements. During stacking or transport when control is not needed, the member remains flush with the tray underside for compactness. During serving operations, the member pivots to an open position, creating the necessary space for finger insertion and leverage.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a device (4) for stabilizing a drinks tray, and also to a drinks tray (2) incorporating the device (4). The device (4) finds use in the hospitality industry and enables a tray bearer to support or stabilize the tray (2) from underneath to reduce the risk of the tray (2) tipping and spilling its contents.