Attached-Lid Glass Food Container for Reusable Airtight Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food storage containers, both disposable and reusable, face issues such as environmental pollution, health risks due to toxic materials, and the problem of detachable lids getting lost or misplaced, leading to incomplete containers that end up in landfills and natural environments.
Innovation Solution
A reusable food container made from durable, non-toxic borosilicate glass with a permanently attached re-closable lid, featuring 'L-shaped' locking elements and a flexible hinge, along with an elastomeric ring for airtight sealing, ensuring the lid remains attached and preventing material degradation under extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detachable lids are used on reusable containers, then the container can be opened and closed for repeated use, but the lid becomes small and is often lost, misplaced, or separated from the container pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid and container into a single integrated unit by attaching the lid to the container body. This merging ensures that the lid cannot be lost or misplaced separately, while still allowing the container to be opened and closed for repeated use. The lid is permanently attached through structural integration rather than separate components.
2Ease of operation
If disposable food containers are used, then convenience is improved, but they pollute the environment and endanger wildlife
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the disposable concept by creating a permanent, reusable container that eliminates the need for single-use containers. The durable construction allows repeated use, preventing the environmental pollution and wildlife harm associated with disposable containers while maintaining convenience through easy opening and closing.
3Duration of action of moving object
If soft plastic reusable containers are used, then reusability is achieved, but the material becomes unstable and melts or degrades when exposed to microwaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft plastic to glass, which has superior thermal stability. Glass containers can withstand microwave heating without melting or degrading, while still being reusable. This material substitution resolves the contradiction between reusability and material stability under heat exposure.
4Ease of operation
If detachable lids are used on reusable containers, then the container can be assembled and disassembled, but incomplete containers make up a large portion of waste in landfills
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lid and container into a single attached unit, the patent ensures that the container remains complete and functional throughout its使用寿命. The integrated design prevents separation of parts, eliminating the waste problem associated with lost or misplaced detachable lids while maintaining ease of use through the attached lid mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a food container having a durable storage compartment that is fixed to the lid by a hinge and a plurality of connectors. The food container may be formed from borosilicate glass or another durable material that may be reused and will not deteriorate in the microwave or when exposed to extreme hot and or cold temperatures. The lid may be secured to the storage compartment so that the lid will not get misplaced when the food container is washed or otherwise not in use.