Tray Transport Trolley Layout for Two-Sided Access and Thermal Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tray transport trolleys for food distribution in the hospital sector face challenges with accessibility, space utilization, and cleanliness due to non-load-bearing partition walls, complex tray alignment, and cumbersome tray rotation during loading.

Innovation Solution

The tray transport trolley features load-bearing partition walls designed as a comb with a rear web connected to adjacent walls, allowing two-sided access and easy alignment of food trays, with a central space devoid of support structures for improved cleaning and thermal insulation using dimensionally stable panels and pivoting doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If partition walls are designed as non-load-bearing elements, then thermal separation is achieved, but the frame must be solid and takes up considerable interior space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal separationVSAvoidinterior space

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition walls are segmented into multiple vertical elements (comb-like structure) that provide thermal separation while being load-bearing, eliminating the need for a solid frame and freeing up interior space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: thermal separation, load-bearing support for food trays, and structural stability, replacing the need for separate frame structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If food trays can only be removed from the front, then the structure is simple, but accessibility is unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is segmented with separate front and rear access points, allowing food trays to be removed from both front and rear sides, significantly improving accessibility without complicating the basic structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Access is extended from a single dimension (front only) to multiple dimensions (front and rear), allowing users to approach the trolley from different sides and retrieve trays more efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of stationary object

If food trays are not aligned on the same side, then space utilization is maximized, but trays must be rotated by 180° during loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving slots are asymmetrically positioned and oriented on different sides of the trolley, allowing food trays to be inserted in their natural orientation without rotation, eliminating time loss during loading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring trays to be rotated to fit non-aligned slots, the slot orientations are inverted/reversed on different sides to match the natural orientation of trays being inserted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If a solid frame is used to absorb high weight, then structural strength is achieved, but the frame is difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight bearing capacityVSAvoidcleanability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing function is segmented from the partition walls to the vertical support elements and base structure, allowing the partition walls to be simple, cleanable surfaces while other components handle the mechanical load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances user-friendly access, space efficiency, and ease of cleaning while ensuring effective thermal separation and weight distribution, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously without interference.

Implementation Method 1

The interior is divided into three thermally separated rooms by the partitions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

thermal insulation using dimensionally stable panels and pivoting doors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2324741B1Tablet transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2012.01.18 HUPFER METALLWERKE GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The trolley has two food trays arranged next to each other at a front side (1) and a rear side (2) and in retaining slots (6). Two external areas are limited by the side wall and separation walls (5) having plastic plates. One of the external areas is closed at the front side by a fixed front wall (12). The other external area includes a fixed rear wall (13) at a rear side. Doors (8) i.e. swing doors, are arranged at the front side and the rear side and shifted diagonal to each other. The doors lock a middle area and one of the external areas.