Receptacle system with divider insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of pits or seeds from fruits like cherries and shells from nuts such as peanuts poses a challenge, leading some consumers to avoid consuming these foods.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle system with a dividing element that separates consumable items from disposable items, using a wedge-shaped bracing element and a heat-sealed film to maintain separation and prevent mess during consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-chamber cup is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to manually separate consumable items from pits/shells
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber for holding consumable items (shelled nuts or pitted fruits) and a second chamber for collecting disposable items (shells or pits). This segmentation allows automatic separation of consumable and disposable portions, eliminating the need for manual separation and improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a dividing element is added to separate chambers, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both the separator between chambers and the structural support for the film barrier. The bracing element within the dividing structure provides additional structural integrity, allowing the system to maintain complexity while achieving automatic separation functionality.
3Reliability
If a film is used to cover the consumable items, then the reliability of containment improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible film is stretched across the opening of the first chamber to create a barrier that prevents disposable items from mixing with consumable items. The film's flexibility allows it to conform to the chamber shape while maintaining an effective seal, providing reliable containment with minimal structural complexity.
4Reliability
If heat sealing is applied to secure the film, then the reliability of containment improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-sealing process is designed to be self-aligning, where the film and cup structure guide the sealing operation without requiring high-precision external alignment. The system's geometry and material properties facilitate automatic positioning during the heat-sealing process, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining containment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle system includes a cup configured to hold consumable items and has a bottom surface and an interior. A dividing element is disposed within the cup interior and defines first and second chambers. A receptacle system includes a cup configured to hold consumable items and has a bottom surface and an interior. A dividing element is disposed within the cup interior and is configured to maintain disposable items separate from the consumable items.