Dual-Clip Condiment Holder for Stable Cup and Lid Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condiment container attachment devices for fast-food packaging fail to securely attach to food or beverage containers without obstructing access, leading to unsafe consumption and limited condiment usage while driving or eating on the go.
Innovation Solution
A condiment container attachment device with first and second attachment means that securely engage with the lid or cover of food or beverage containers, allowing stable and unobstructed access, using downwardly facing taps and inwardly facing arms to counteract moments and prevent spillage or dislocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condiment container is attached to a food or beverage container using prior art methods (prongs, surrounding the straw), then the condiment container can be fixed to the container, but the attachment is loose or unsafe and may impede access to the food or beverage container
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple functional segments: a first attachment means (prong) that engages with the lid, a second attachment means (clip) that engages with the container wall, and a holding means that secures the condiment container. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide stable attachment without obstructing access.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device acts as an intermediary component between the condiment container and the food/beverage container. Rather than directly attaching the condiment container to the container, the attachment device with its multiple engagement points serves as a mediator that provides stable attachment while maintaining accessibility to both containers.
2Ease of operation
If a condiment container is attached to the drinking straw or lid, then the condiment container is positioned for use, but it creates an obstacle in the dipping process or requires dipping around the straw
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device extracts the condiment container from the center position (where it would obstruct the straw) and positions it on the side of the container using the second attachment means that engages with the container wall. This extraction eliminates the obstacle problem while maintaining convenient access for dipping.
3Device complexity
If a condiment container is loosely attached to the food or beverage container, then the attachment structure is simple, but the condiment container may dislocate or spill during use
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device merges two attachment mechanisms (first attachment means with the lid and second attachment means with the container wall) into a single integrated structure. This combination provides redundant attachment points that work together to prevent dislocation and spilling, enhancing reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the condiment container has minimal surface area to fit around the straw, then the attachment is compact, but the amount of condiment that can be successfully used is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of constraining the condiment container to a minimal surface area around the straw, the attachment device positions the container in three-dimensional space on the side of the container using the second attachment means. This dimensional change allows the condiment container to have adequate volume and surface area for proper condiment storage and usage.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A condiment container attachment device (1) for attaching a condiment container (50) to a food or a beverage container (100), the container (100) being of a type having - an upwardly facing opening (110); - at least one inwardly facing first surface (140, 240); and - a bead (130) or downwardly facing skirt (230) encircling said opening (110), said bead or skirt having an inwardly facing second surface (131, 231) and a downwardly facing edge (132, 232) said condiment container attachment device (1) comprising - first attachment means (10) adapted for engagement with said inwardly facing first surface (140, 240) of the food or beverage container (100); and - second attachment means (20) adapted for engagement with said bead (130) or downwardly facing skirt (230).