Cooking Container Packaging Device with Non-Circular Positioning Studs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices for cooking containers fail to immobilize two containers in a horizontal plane, leading to rotation and offset issues, and are complex and costly to install.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device with an elongated body and non-circular positioning studs that align with handle openings, preventing pivoting and using a retaining nail system for secure assembly, made of plastic for ease of production and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a packaging device is used to nest cooking containers for transport, then the containers can be stacked and transported efficiently, but the containers cannot be immobilized in a horizontal plane, leading to rotation and offset of handles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidhorizontal plane stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning studs with non-circular cross-sections (rectangular, triangular, or polygonal) that correspond to matching asymmetric recesses in the handle openings. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement of the containers around the vertical axis, as the studs cannot rotate within the non-circular recesses. The asymmetric design specifically targets the handle alignment issue by creating a geometric constraint that maintains fixed relative positions of nested containers in the horizontal plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the positioning elements from circular (which allow rotation) to non-circular cross-sections with specific dimensions. The positioning studs have rectangular, triangular, or polygonal cross-sections with defined width and height dimensions that match corresponding recesses in the handle openings. This parameter change from circular to non-circular geometry fundamentally alters the rotational freedom of the containers, preventing handle offset while maintaining the nesting capability for transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a packaging device with multiple parts is used to form the coating of the bottom of a cap, then the container can be secured, but the installation becomes long and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer securingVSAvoidpackaging device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate packaging components into a single integrated packaging element. The positioning stud is integrated directly into the packaging device body, eliminating the need for separate positioning elements. The cap coating formation is combined with the overall packaging structure, creating a unified device that performs both securing and positioning functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of parts from multiple separate components to a single integrated structure, simplifying assembly while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a securing mechanism and a positioning system. The same packaging element that secures the container also provides horizontal positioning through its non-circular studs. The cap coating structure is designed to work universally with different container types while maintaining the integrated positioning and securing functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a packaging device is designed to immobilize cooking containers in horizontal plane, then rotation and offset are prevented, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal plane stabilityVSAvoidpackaging device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning studs with non-circular cross-sections (rectangular, triangular, or polygonal) that correspond to matching asymmetric recesses in the handle openings. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement of the containers around the vertical axis, as the studs cannot rotate within the non-circular recesses. The asymmetric design specifically targets the handle alignment issue by creating a geometric constraint that maintains fixed relative positions of nested containers in the horizontal plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple separate packaging components into a single integrated packaging element. The positioning stud is integrated directly into the packaging device body, eliminating the need for separate positioning elements. The cap coating formation is combined with the overall packaging structure, creating a unified device that performs both securing and positioning functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of parts from multiple separate components to a single integrated structure, simplifying assembly while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3253674B1Assembly comprising at least two cooking containers and a packaging device arranged between the two cooking containers
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 SEB SA
  • EP3253674B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3253674B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention concerns an assembly (A, B, C) comprising at least two cooking containers (1, 101, 201, 301) comprising a handle (3, 103, 203, 303) and a packaging device (20, 120, 220) arranged between the two cooking containers (1, 101, 201, 301) to form the assembly (A, B, C) that can withstand distribution on the distribution network, said packaging device (20, 120, 220) comprising an elongate body (21, 121, 221) arranged between the handles (3, 103, 203, 303). According to the invention, the elongate body (21, 121, 221) comprises at least one non-circular positioning stud (22, 23, 122, 222, 223) extending in a direction perpendicular to said elongate body (21, 121, 221) and engaging with an opening (6, 106, 206, 306) of a handle (3, 103, 203, 303) in order to allow the elongate body (21, 121, 221) to be aligned relative to the handle (3, 103, 203, 303).