Double-Ended Container With Rotating Insert for Spread Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-ended containers for edible spreads require users to reach deep into the container, leading to inefficiencies in accessing remaining contents, increased risk of contamination, and potential waste due to ineffective scraping.
Innovation Solution
A double-ended container design featuring a top and bottom opening, with a removable insert that can be rotated within a spiral or straight groove, allowing for efficient access and removal of contents without contaminating the spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-ended container design is used, then the container structure is simple, but access to remaining contents becomes difficult and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two functional ends: a top opening for initial access and a bottom opening for accessing remaining contents. This segmentation allows each end to serve its specific purpose optimally, with the bottom opening enabling direct access to remaining spread without requiring deep insertion or hand contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-ended (one-dimensional access) design to a double-ended (two-dimensional access) design. By adding access at both the top and bottom of the container, the system provides multiple access points that eliminate the need to reach deep into the container, reducing contamination risk and improving ease of operation.
2Productivity
If users reach deep into the container with utensils, then they can access remaining spread, but contamination risk and waste increase due to ineffective scraping
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom opening is provided in advance as a dedicated access point for retrieving remaining contents. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to reach deep into the container with utensils, thereby preventing contamination and reducing waste before the harmful action can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom opening acts as an intermediary access point that mediates between the user and the remaining spread. Instead of directly reaching into the container with utensils (which causes contamination), the user can access remaining contents through the bottom opening, reducing both contamination and waste.
3Ease of operation
If the container has a removable lid with insert, then access efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is extracted from the lid and designed to be removable and reusable. This allows the insert to be taken out, cleaned, and stored separately when not in use, while still providing the benefits of guided access through the groove structure. This extraction reduces the permanent complexity of the lid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and insert system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The removable insert can be placed and removed as needed, and the groove structure can accommodate different insert configurations. This dynamic design provides access efficiency when needed while reducing overall device complexity through flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a double-ended container having a length separating a top opening from a bottom opening, an interior surface comprising a groove disposed in the length, a top removable lid configured to removably retain a peelable insert, and a bottom removable lid. The groove may be a straight groove or a spiral groove. The insert may comprise a surface tab disposed on a top surface of the insert, providing handle for rotating the insert in a spiral groove. The insert may comprise a perimeter tab disposed at an edge of the insert to engage a straight groove. Engaging the straight groove with the perimeter tab may rotationally lock the insert. The groove may comprise slots offset from a groove centerline, permitting the insert to be locked in slot positions between the top and bottom. An implementation may increase efficiency of access to spreadable foods while reducing waste and contamination.