Clamshell Food Container with Integrated Sauce Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamshell food containers do not provide a convenient way to hold condiments for finger foods like chicken nuggets, popcorn shrimp, and french fries when eating on the go, as they require juggling the food tray and condiment container.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell food container with a built-in dipping sauce holder, formed from a one-piece carton blank that can be folded into a box-like structure, featuring a tuck flap and integral vertical wall to support a sauce container, allowing easy access and storage of condiments within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate condiment container is used, then condiments can be stored, but the user must juggle multiple containers making it difficult to eat while moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the food container and condiment storage into a single integrated unit. The condiment holder is formed as an integral part of the container structure, allowing condiments to be stored within the same container that holds the food, thereby eliminating the need to carry separate condiment containers and making it easier to eat while moving.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure serves multiple functions: it holds food items, provides storage for condiments, and includes a lid for closing. The integrated design makes the single container universal for both food and condiment storage, reducing the total number of containers needed.
2Ease of operation
If condiments are poured directly onto food, then separate storage is eliminated, but excessive condiment application and waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container into distinct compartments: one for food and another for condiments. This segmentation allows users to control condiment application by taking the container to the table and pouring condiments as needed, rather than having them pre-mixed or requiring separate containers. It enables precise control over how much condiment is applied.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a built-in sauce holder is integrated into the container, then condiment storage is convenient, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: a food holding area and an integrated condiment holder area. The condiment holder is formed as a separate compartment within the same container structure, providing dedicated condiment storage while maintaining the integrity of the food serving area. This segmentation adds versatility without requiring completely separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamshell container and sauce holder for receiving a sauce container is constructed from a one-piece carton blank cut and scored to facilitate erection into a clamshell container with top and bottom portions hingedly connected along a common fold line. A bottom portion of the container includes an upper flat section extending inwardly from a bottom side wall, an integral support and a base member including a tuck flap for positioning the upper flat section. In addition, an opening is defined in the upper flat section for holding a sauce container.