Compartmentalized Containers With Individual Recloseable Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional single compartment recloseable containers are inadequate for packaging perishable products that require multiple servings, as they fail to prevent drying out or deterioration and unwanted co-mingling of contents.
Innovation Solution
A compartmentalized container with multiple recloseable lids, featuring a tamper-evident hinge and non-permanent press-fit engagement, which includes a base with discrete compartments and separate lids to prevent solid and liquid transfer, allowing for individual compartment sealing and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single compartment recloseable containers are used, then the container structure is simple, but the products cannot be prevented from drying out or deterioration and unwanted co-mingling of contents occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The container base is divided into multiple discrete compartments separated by partitions, with each compartment capable of being individually sealed by its own lid. This segmentation prevents co-mingling of different food products and allows selective access to individual compartments, maintaining product freshness without requiring a complex multi-layered single compartment design
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment is designed with universal features including individual recloseable lids with flanges that engage with locking shoulders, allowing each compartment to function independently as a sealed unit. The lids can enclose either the entire container or individual compartments, providing multi-functional sealing capability that maintains simplicity while improving product preservation
2Reliability
If multiple compartments are added to prevent co-mingling, then product preservation improves, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple compartments by partitions that extend upward, creating physical barriers that prevent co-mingling of contents. Each compartment is a distinct unit that can be individually sealed, providing effective separation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standardized lid and flange components
3Reliability
If individual compartment sealing is implemented, then freshness maintenance improves, but the lid design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lids are designed with universal features including flanges with locking shoulders that can engage with corresponding features on either the base or individual compartments. Each lid can function to seal the entire container or individual compartments, providing multi-functional sealing capability with a standardized design that reduces overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lids are provided, with each lid capable of enclosing a specific compartment or combination of compartments. This segmentation of sealing functions allows individual compartment isolation for freshness maintenance while using simple, standardized lid components rather than a single complex multi-compartment seal
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a base defining a perimeter opening and a top surface within the perimeter opening. The top surface includes a plurality of discrete openings defining respective compartments extending downwardly from the top surface of the base. A first recloseable lid covers the perimeter opening when the container is closed to resist transfer of solid matter between the compartments of the base. An additional recloseable lid encloses one of the compartments to resist liquid from exiting the compartment when the compartment is closed.