Container made from injection moulded plastic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injection molded plastic containers for storing fruit and vegetables suffer from premature spoilage due to condensation forming on the lid, which rolls off and contacts the food, leading to bacterial and mold growth, resulting in a limited shelf life.
Innovation Solution
The container features a three-dimensional surface structure on the lid with hollow bodies that increase the adhesion force of condensation water droplets, preventing them from rolling off and dripping onto the food, combined with a replaceable ethene filter to minimize ripening gases and ensure air exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a smooth container lid surface is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but condensation water droplets roll off and contact the food, leading to spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional smooth surface to a three-dimensional structured surface with hollow bodies. This dimensional change allows condensation water to be captured and held within the hollow structures, preventing it from rolling off onto the food while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through injection molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of condensation water (which causes spoilage) into a beneficial effect by using the hollow bodies to capture and retain the water. The condensation that would otherwise be harmful is now contained within the hollow structures, effectively protecting the food while utilizing the natural condensation process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the container lid completely closes the shell opening, then food protection from environmental influences is maximized, but humidity increases leading to condensation formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful condensation water formed due to complete sealing into a beneficial element. The hollow bodies on the lid interior capture and hold the condensation water, preventing it from contacting the food. This allows the container to be fully sealed for maximum protection while the hollow structures manage the inevitable condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow bodies act as an intermediary between the condensation water and the food. Instead of allowing direct contact between condensation and food, the hollow structures serve as a mediating element that captures and retains the water, thereby protecting the food while maintaining the sealed environment.
3Reliability
If a three-dimensional surface structure with hollow bodies is added to the lid, then condensation water adhesion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface parameters of the lid from smooth to structured with hollow bodies. This parameter change in surface geometry fundamentally alters how condensation water interacts with the lid, improving retention capability. The hollow bodies provide multiple contact points and capture zones that enhance adhesion and prevent water rollback.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the third dimension through hollow bodies, the invention creates a structured surface that actively manages condensation water. This dimensional addition transforms the lid from a passive smooth surface to an active water-management structure, improving reliability without requiring complex external components.
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
This design significantly extends the shelf life of stored food by preventing condensation from contacting the food and reducing ethene concentration, thereby minimizing spoilage and maintaining freshness.
Implementation Method 1
The container lid has a three-dimensional surface structure on an inside facing the interior area of the shell, which is formed by a plurality of adjacent hollow bodies... This three-dimensional surface structure increases the adhesion force of condensation water droplets, preventing them from rolling off
Implementation Method 2
The hollow bodies are arranged in such a way that the base is on the container lid, while the top surface is oriented towards the interior of the shell... preventing them from rolling off and dripping onto the food
Implementation Method 3
combined with a replaceable ethene filter to minimize ripening gases and ensure air exchange
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) made of injection-molded plastic, in particular for storing fruit, vegetables or other foodstuffs, comprising a tray (2) with a tray base (21), a side wall (22) and a substantially circumferential upper tray rim (23) which defines a tray opening (24), as well as a container lid (4) for at least partially closing the tray opening (24). The container lid (4) has a three-dimensional surface structure (45) on its inner surface facing an inner region (25) of the tray (2), which consists of a plurality of adjacent hollow bodies (451), the basic shape of which each has a base surface (452) arranged on the inner surface of the container lid (4), a top surface (453) oriented towards the inner region (25) of the tray (2), and a lateral surface (454) connecting the base surface (452) and the top surface (453).At least part of the hollow bodies (451) is open towards the interior (25) of the shell (2).