Webbed-Corner Self-Erecting Tray for Fast Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food trays have inefficiencies in configuration, requiring significant assembly time when collapsed and occupying excessive storage space when expanded, which is problematic for businesses with limited personnel and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A self-erecting food tray design with a perforated blank that can transition between a collapsed configuration for transport and storage and an expanded configuration for holding food, utilizing webbed corners and lock panels for automatic reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If trays are ordered in collapsed configuration for storage and transport, then storage space efficiency is improved, but assembly time increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is pre-assembled in the collapsed configuration with all corner assemblies and lock panels already in place. The webbed corners are pre-formed with hinge connections, and lock panels are pre-attached to length panels. This preliminary assembly allows the tray to be stored in a compact state while requiring minimal action (simply unfolding and engaging) to transition to the expanded configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and assembly time.
2Ease of operation
If trays are ordered in assembled expanded configuration, then readiness for use is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with dynamic corner assemblies that can transition between folded and unfolded states. The webbed corners incorporate hinge connections that allow smooth transformation from the collapsed to expanded configuration. Lock panels with flared ends provide automatic mechanical engagement when the tray is expanded, ensuring stability without requiring permanent assembly. This dynamic design allows the tray to be stored compactly yet deployed quickly, resolving the contradiction between readiness and storage space.
3Ease of manufacture
If trays are made with traditional foldable design, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reconfiguration speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into distinct functional components: base panel, width panels, length panels, webbed corners, and lock panels. Each component is optimized for its specific function - webbed corners provide the transformation mechanism, lock panels provide stability, and panels provide structural support. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while enabling rapid reconfiguration through their coordinated interaction, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and reconfiguration speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A web-cornered self-erecting food tray assembled from a blank with folded and adhered elements. The assembled tray includes webbed corners with fixed and movable panels that fold and are engaged automatically which enables the tray to transition from an assembled collapsed configuration to an assembled expanded configuration without disassembly.