Clip-On Condiment Cup Holder for Stable Spill-Resistant Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condiment holders for food packages are not adaptable to various sizes of soufflé cups, often result in spills due to unbalanced attachments, and require special manufacturing of food containers, limiting their use and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A hanging condiment container holder with a clip portion for attaching to the upper edge of a food package, a loop portion for receiving condiment containers, and an extension wall that accommodates industry standard soufflé cups, providing a sturdy and spill-resistant arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If condiment holders are suspended directly from the sides of food packages, then condiment storage is enabled, but the arrangement is awkward and unbalanced, resulting in spills
Solution Approach 1:
The holder transitions from side-suspension to top-suspension, changing the spatial dimension of attachment. The clip portion engages with the upper rim of the food container, positioning the condiment holder in a stable, balanced location that prevents spills while maintaining ease of condiment storage and access
2Ease of operation
If condiment holders are positioned adjacent the upper lip of a cup, then condiment storage is enabled, but the arrangement is awkward and unbalanced, creating spill risk
Solution Approach 1:
The holder moves from a position adjacent to the upper lip to a position suspended from the upper rim, changing the spatial dimension of attachment. This top-suspension configuration provides a stable, balanced arrangement that eliminates spill risks while maintaining ease of condiment storage and access
3Adaptability or versatility
If food packages are preformed with flaps or pockets to hold condiments, then condiment storage is integrated, but the packages become complicated and cannot be adjusted or moved by the consumer
Solution Approach 1:
The condiment holder is separated from the food package into two independent components: the food container and the removable holder. The holder can be attached or detached as needed, providing adjustability and flexibility while maintaining adaptability for condiment storage. This segmentation allows consumers to move and reposition the holder freely
Solution Approach 2:
The holder transitions from a static, permanently formed integral part of the package to a dynamic, removable component. The clip portion enables easy attachment and detachment, allowing the holder to be repositioned or removed based on consumer needs, thereby providing adjustability while maintaining condiment storage functionality
4Device complexity
If trough-shaped condiment holders are used, then simple structure is achieved, but they cannot accommodate industry standard soufflé cups
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with a loop portion that can accommodate various types of condiment containers, including industry standard soufflé cups. The loop's dimensions and configuration are optimized to securely hold different cup sizes and shapes, providing universal compatibility while maintaining a simple overall structure
Data Source
AI summary
A hanging condiment container holder is provided including a clip portion for removably attaching the holder to an upper portion of a food package, a loop portion for receiving a condiment container, and an extension wall extending between the clip portion and the loop portion. The clip portion may be contoured to the shape of the upper edge or lip of a food package such as a cup. Various clip portions may be employed for removably attaching the hanging condiment container holder to a food package such as a cup.