Tray module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid materials in containers easily spill during transportation due to vibrations, especially from sudden impacts, causing inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A tray module comprising a bottom plate, a ring-shaped member with rolling portions, a limiting member, and an elastic member connected between the ring-shaped member and the bottom plate, which absorbs shocks and returns the tray to its original position upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tray transports a container with liquid materials, then the tray can fulfill its transportation function, but liquid materials easily spill due to vibration and sudden impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a shock-absorbing mechanism consisting of an elastic member (spring) and a ring-shaped member with rolling portions. This mechanism is pre-installed on the tray bottom plate to cushion and absorb shocks from sudden impacts and vibrations before they can cause liquid spillage, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining transportation function and preventing harmful vibrations.
2Reliability
If a shock-absorbing mechanism is added to the tray, then liquid spillage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a bottom plate with limiting members, a ring-shaped member with rolling portions, and an elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular design makes the complex function of shock absorption achievable through simple, well-defined parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped member acts as an intermediary between the tray body and the shock-absorbing elastic member. It translates vertical shocks into rolling motions and constrains the movement of the elastic member, thereby mediating the shock absorption process. This intermediary component enables effective shock protection without requiring a complex direct connection between the tray and spring.
3Reliability
If the ring-shaped member is allowed to move freely, then shock absorption is improved, but the tray stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the ring-shaped member and elastic member to move and deform dynamically in response to shocks, while the limiting members provide static constraints. The rolling portions enable dynamic motion for shock absorption, while the limiting groove and limiting posts provide static boundaries that prevent excessive movement, thus maintaining tray stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement parameters of the ring-shaped member by constraining it to roll only within a specific region defined by the limiting members. This parameter change - restricting the degree and direction of movement - allows the member to absorb shocks through controlled rolling motion while preventing movements that would compromise tray stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tray module effectively cushions and absorbs shocks, preventing liquid spillage and facilitating easy cleaning and adjustment, suitable for transporting food and liquid samples.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (140) which is directly or indirectly connected between an inner ring surface of the ring-shaped member (120) and an upper surface of the bottom plate (110)
Implementation Method 2
The ring-shaped member (120) is disposed over the bottom plate (110) and includes a plurality of rolling portions (122) facing the bottom plate (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A tray module includes a bottom plate, a ring-shaped member, a limiting member, an elastic member and a tray. The ring-shaped member is disposed over the bottom plate and includes a plurality of rolling portions facing the bottom plate. The limiting member is disposed at a periphery of the ring-shaped member and over the ring-shaped member, so that the ring-shaped member is only able to move within a region defined by the limiting member. The elastic member is directly or indirectly connected between an inner ring surface of the ring-shaped member and an upper surface of the bottom plate. The tray is disposed over the limiting member and configured to connect the ring-shaped member.