Elastomeric Flap Lid for Sealed Food Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food containers fail to provide complete sealing against contaminants, do not allow direct mouth dispensing, are not portable in small spaces, and require two hands to operate, lacking separate compartments for distinct food items and portion control.
Innovation Solution
A portable, durable container with a cylindrical body, a lid element featuring sealable elastomeric flaps for controlled dispensing, and a bowl element for protection and serving, allowing for multiple compartments and easy operation with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing containers are used for food storage, then basic storage function is provided, but complete sealing against contaminants is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or foil material that forms a seal within the container opening. This flexible barrier conformally seals the irregularly shaped opening, preventing contaminant ingress while allowing the container to maintain its structural integrity and portability.
2Ease of operation
If existing containers are designed for storage, then food items can be stored, but direct mouth dispensing is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: a storage cavity for food items and a dispensing opening with a flexible membrane barrier. This segmentation allows the container to maintain sealed storage while providing a controlled dispensing interface that enables direct mouth access without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane or foil is positioned at the dispensing opening to create a seal that can be broken or opened for direct mouth dispensing. This thin film barrier allows the container to transition from a fully sealed storage state to an open dispensing state, enabling direct consumption without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If containers are made portable in small spaces, then portability is improved, but separate compartments for distinct food items are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane or foil serves multiple functions: it acts as a contaminant barrier during storage, provides a seal for the dispensing opening, and can be configured to create separate compartments within the limited container volume. This multi-functional element allows the compact container to accommodate multiple distinct food items while maintaining portability.
4Ease of operation
If existing containers are designed for storage, then food items can be stored, but portioning when dispensing is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane at the dispensing opening allows controlled access to food items. Users can break or open the membrane to dispense specific portions directly into the mouth, enabling portion control while maintaining efficiency. The flexibility of the membrane allows for precise, controlled dispensing rather than requiring opening the entire container.
5Ease of operation
If existing containers are operated with two hands, then secure handling is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane or foil seal requires minimal force to break or open for dispensing, allowing one-hand operation. The membrane's flexibility enables it to be easily manipulated with a single finger or thumb, while the rigid container structure provides stable handling. This combination allows secure one-hand operation for both carrying and dispensing functions.
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 container effectively seals food from contaminants, allows controlled dispensing and direct mouth access, is easily portable, and enables convenient portioning and serving, addressing the shortcomings of prior art containers.
Implementation Method 1
an operable flap made of a resilient/elastomeric material having a generally vesical piscis shape. One curved edge of the flap is attached to the periphery edge of the opening, with the other, distal, curved edge of the flap selectively engages the opposite edge of the opening to seal the opening. The outer surface of the flap changes from a convex curve with the opening accessible and the flap forming a spout to a concave curve with the opening sealed by the flap.
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a container element, a lid element removably joined to the container element to form a sealed storage cavity, and a bowl element that removably covers the lid element to protect it during transport. The storage cavity has an interior vertical wall dividing it into multiple storage chambers. The lid element has two openings, each sealably closed by an operable flap movable from an open position to a closed position. In an open position, the flap has a convex outer surface forming a spout for the opening. In a closed position, the flap has a concave outer surface and engages all edges of the opening to seal the opening. When in use, the bowl element can be removably stowed to the bottom of the container element or used as a serving vessel.