Edible Lid Dimensional Accuracy via Moisture Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compostable container lids made from plastic face challenges in dimensional accuracy and ecological sustainability due to environmental exposure, and current baking processes often result in inadequate fit and high production costs for edible coatings.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing plant with baking molds and a conditioning device that increases the moisture content of lid blanks to adjust dimensions, ensuring a precise fit and using edible materials to create a compostable, energy-efficient lid with improved accuracy and ecological benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is made from compostable materials, then ecological sustainability is improved, but dimensional accuracy deteriorates due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the dimensions of the plug-in section during the baking process to compensate for future environmental effects. The plug-in section is manufactured with intentionally reduced dimensions (raw dimension smaller than target dimension) so that subsequent moisture absorption during storage and use will expand it to the correct final dimensions, ensuring accurate fit despite environmental exposure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lid is made with high dimensional precision during baking, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when exposed to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by intentionally setting the initial moisture content and dimensions of the lid blank during baking to account for future environmental effects. The plug-in section is baked with reduced dimensions and lower moisture content, knowing that it will absorb moisture and expand to the correct dimensions during storage and use, thereby maintaining reliable fit accuracy despite environmental exposure.
3Reliability
If coating or impregnating is applied to reduce environmental effects, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for complex coating or impregnating processes by directly incorporating dimensional compensation into the baking mold design. Instead of adding post-processing steps to protect the lid, the solution removes the requirement for such protective measures by designing the plug-in section with predetermined dimensions that automatically compensate for environmental effects through natural moisture absorption.
4Reliability
If the plug-in section is made with target dimension adapted to container, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-adjusting the plug-in section dimensions during manufacturing to account for future environmental expansion. The mold section is dimensioned to create a raw dimension that is smaller than the target dimension, so that when the lid absorbs moisture during storage and use, it expands to the correct target dimension for reliable container fit.
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
The solution provides a lid with enhanced dimensional accuracy and ecological improvements by using a compostable, edible material that maintains liquid-tightness and reduces waste, while being energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the dimension of the plug section of the lid blank from the raw dimension to the target dimension by increasing the moisture content of the lid blank
Implementation Method 2
a baking device with several baking molds for producing dimensionally stable lid blanks baked from a dough
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Method and manufacturing plant for forming a lid (1) for a container (2), - wherein the lid (1) has a plug-in section (3) for connection with the container (2), - wherein the plug-in section (3) has a nominal dimension (4) adapted to the shape and size of a specific container (2), - wherein the manufacturing plant comprises a baking device (10) with several baking molds (5), - wherein the baking molds (5) are adapted to the shape of the lid (1) to be formed and each has a mold section (7) for forming the plug-in section (3) of a lid blank (6), - wherein the mold section (7) is dimensioned such that the plug-in section (3) of the lid blank (6) has a raw dimension (8) that is smaller than the nominal dimension (4), - and wherein the manufacturing plant comprises a conditioning device (9),which increases the dimension of the plug section (3) of the lid blank (6) by increasing the moisture content of the lid blank (6) from the raw dimension (8) to the target dimension (4).