Clamshell Food Container With Double Opposing Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamshell food containers with single upper lids are not as convenient, protective, or versatile for storing and transporting multiple food items compared to the proposed design with double opposing lids.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell food container with three portions, including a bottom compartment and two top/upper compartments connected by integrally formed living hinges, featuring interlocking tab and slot assemblies for secure closure and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single upper lid is used in conventional clamshell containers, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the storage versatility and convenience for multiple food items is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single upper lid is divided into two separate opposing lids that can be independently opened. Each lid is hinged to the bottom portion and can be opened to access different food compartments, allowing simultaneous access to multiple food items without disturbing others.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a conventional single-lid design to a dual-lid configuration where lids open from opposite directions (left and right sides). This dimensional change in opening direction enables independent access to different compartments while maintaining a compact closed structure.
2Ease of operation
If double opposing lids are added to provide independent access to multiple compartments, then storage versatility improves, but the interlocking mechanism and hinge assembly become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into separate tabs and slots for each lid pair. Each lid has its own tab that engages with a corresponding slot on the opposing lid, allowing independent operation while using a standardized repeating mechanism that limits overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge and latching functions are combined into an integrated assembly where living hinges provide the folding motion and tab-slot mechanisms provide the latching function. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving both independent access and secure closure.
3Productivity
If integrally formed living hinges are used to connect lids to bottom portion, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the hinge area requires precise molding which increases manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is merged into the integral molding process, creating living hinges as continuous material bridges between the bottom portion and lids. This eliminates separate attachment steps and assembly operations, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency despite the precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge design uses optimized material thickness and curvature parameters in the molded sections to achieve reliable flexibility and durability. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters during molding, the design achieves both manufacturing efficiency and functional performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for a clamshell food container having three portions including a bottom compartment and two top/upper compartments which would be normally thermal-formed wherein the top and bottom compartments are connected by integrally formed living hinge wherein the top compartment is formed of a first and a second opposing lid joined intermediately by a latch and slot assembly. The latch assembly includes interlocking tabs and slots and could be a single latch or a double latch assembly. The bottom portion also includes food dividers forming food compartments which could be made in different configurations.