Condiment packet holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-serving condiment packets lack a practical solution to stand upright without spilling after being opened, leading to contamination and inconvenience in use.

Innovation Solution

A holder with a three-dimensional cavity designed to securely hold a single-serving condiment packet upright, featuring internal sidewalls that prevent the packet from tipping over and maintain the opening above the holder, accommodating various packet sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the condiment packet is placed horizontally after opening, then it is easy to place, but the condiment spills and the opening becomes contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placing packetVSAvoidspilling and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder provides a vertical dimension for the packet to stand upright, transforming the packet's orientation from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change allows the packet to maintain its opening at the top, away from the holder surface, preventing contamination while remaining easily accessible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the holder cavity is large enough to hold multiple packets, then bulk storage is achieved, but the packet can tip over and spill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of packets heldVSAvoidpacket stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple separate cavities, with each cavity sized to accommodate only a single condiment packet. This segmentation ensures that each packet is held securely in its own confined space, preventing tipping and spilling while still allowing the holder to store multiple packets in bulk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the holder cavity is small to prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but the opening may touch the holder causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket stabilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity is designed with specific local dimensions where the width and depth are sufficient to prevent packet tipping, while the height is optimized to position the packet opening at the top, away from the holder base. This localized dimensional optimization ensures both stability and contamination prevention simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11453546B2Condiment packet holder

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 GOLDSTEIN AMY

AI summary

A method for holding a single-serving condiment packet with a holder that allows an opened packet to maintain an upright position without spilling its inner contents and also without having the opening of the open packet touch any part of the holder. The single-serving condiment packet holder has a thin three-dimensional cavity which is defined by one or more internal sidewalls. The holder may also have sidewalls, a base side, and a top side that any geometric shape. A clip or hook may be used to suspend the holder.