Container Lid Active Agent Shielding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to extend the shelf life of products sensitive to environmental triggers such as moisture or oxygen, as existing solutions like turning containers upside down after use are not effective in preventing spoilage.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a lid with a projection that holds an active agent, such as a desiccant or oxygen scavenger, and a utensil that shields the active agent until needed, allowing it to activate and extend the shelf life of sensitive products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container lid is removed to access the product, then the product becomes exposed to environmental triggers, but the shelf life of the product is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning an active agent (such as a desiccant or oxygen scavenger) within the container before the product is exposed to environmental triggers. This active agent is activated when the lid is removed, automatically preventing moisture or oxygen ingress before spoilage can occur, thus extending shelf life without requiring complex user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (the active agent) that mediates between the product and the environmental triggers. This intermediary absorbs moisture or consumes oxygen, creating a protective barrier that extends the product's shelf life while maintaining ease of access through simple lid removal.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used after lid removal, then product protection is attempted, but the solution is not effective in preventing moisture penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of lid removal (which allows moisture ingress) into a beneficial activation mechanism. Removing the lid triggers the activation of the active agent, which then works to prevent moisture penetration. This transforms the potentially harmful action of opening the container into a beneficial activation of the protection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The active agent provides self-service protection by automatically activating when the lid is removed and continuously working to prevent moisture or oxygen contact with the product. This eliminates the need for additional user actions or complex sealing mechanisms, providing reliable protection through the active agent's autonomous function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is turned upside down after each use, then moisture entry is attempted to be avoided, but this solution is not very effective and product must be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of turning the container upside down with a chemical/absorptive solution using an active agent. Instead of relying on gravitational mechanics to prevent moisture entry, the active agent chemically absorbs moisture or oxygen, providing effective protection that prevents product spoilage and reduces discard.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The container effectively delays the exposure of sensitive products to environmental triggers, thereby extending their shelf life and reducing waste by allowing the active agent to absorb or consume moisture or oxygen within the container.
Implementation Method 1
an active agent positioned within the container... configured to absorb or adsorb moisture or oxygen within the container
Implementation Method 2
an active agent positioned within the container... configured to absorb or adsorb moisture or oxygen within the container
Implementation Method 3
an active agent positioned within the container... configured to absorb or adsorb moisture or oxygen within the container
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to maintain or preserve products sensitive to environmental triggers, such as moisture or oxygen, can include a lid (24) removably attachable to a body (16) of a container (10) in which the sensitive product (23) is stored. An active agent (12) capable of preventing, or at least slowing, exposure of the sensitive product to the environmental trigger is positioned in or under the lid. A utensil (40) configured to shield the active agent can be removably attached to an underside of the lid and positioned to cover the active agent when the utensil is attached to the lid. Upon removal of the utensil, the active agent is unshielded and, upon exposure to the environment, is activated to absorb or consume at least some of the environmental triggers within the container.