Circular Dairy Container with Asymmetric Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic containers used for fermented dairy compositions, especially those with circular shapes, tend to increase the perception of whey due to rotation, which is not appreciated by consumers, and are difficult to break apart when made with less brittle polymers, leading to potential content leakage.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic container with a projection element on the interior surface that prevents rotation of the fermented dairy composition, allowing for a lower perception of whey and easier separation, featuring a non-circular projection element and a compact design for stacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a circular container is used for fermented dairy composition, then the container has a compact design suitable for stacking, but the fermented dairy composition rotates during fermentation causing increased whey perception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircular container shapeVSAvoidwhey perception

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an asymmetric element (non-circular projection) into the otherwise symmetric circular container. This asymmetric projection prevents rotation of the fermented dairy composition during fermentation, thereby reducing whey perception while maintaining the beneficial circular shape for compact stacking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If less brittle or more pliable polymers are used for container manufacturing, then the container is easier to manufacture and less prone to breaking, but the containers become difficult to break apart for separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer manufacturingVSAvoidcontainer separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces separation grooves that divide the flange into distinct segments. These grooves create predetermined weak points that allow easy separation of containers even when made from pliable polymers, while the overall flange structure remains intact for stacking and handling purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the container flange is designed for easy separation, then individual containers can be easily removed from the pack, but the integrity of the content may be compromised during breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer separationVSAvoidcontent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separation grooves are strategically positioned to divide only the flange portion into separable segments, while the main body and sealing portions remain intact. This ensures that when containers are separated, the food composition remains protected and its integrity is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10099847B2Set fermented dairy composition in a circular container

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 DANONE SA

AI summary

A food product and process of making the food product, the food product including a thermoplastic container and a set fermented dairy composition. The body of the container, which defines an interior volume, includes a bottom and a side wall extending along a longitudinal axis from the bottom as far as a top. The side wall has an annular and preferably circular cross-section. The dairy composition is in contact with an interior surface of the bottom and with a projection element that protrudes inside the container. The projection element prevents rotation of the dairy composition. The projection element is arranged to define an irregular annular area between the projection and the side wall.