Food Container with Integrated Timer for Storage Duration Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food storage containers lack a reliable means to track storage time, leading to potential consumption of spoiled food and increased food waste, as consumers often cannot determine if stored food is safe to eat.
Innovation Solution
A food storage container system with a built-in timer and display that tracks the storage duration, optionally connectable to smartphones for alerts, and featuring sensors for spoilage detection, allowing consumers to monitor food freshness and receive notifications when food is near expiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional food storage containers are used, then the container structure is simple and inexpensive, but the storage time tracking capability is lost and food safety cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the food storage container with an integrated timer system, display unit, and sensor components into a single unified device. The timer is embedded within the container structure, and the display can be either integrated into the container or attached to it, creating a merged system that provides both storage and monitoring functions in one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system performs multiple functions: it stores food, tracks storage time automatically, monitors food freshness through sensors, displays timing information, and provides alert notifications. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require separate containers, timers, and monitoring systems.
2Measurement precision
If a built-in timer and display system is integrated into the container, then storage time tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timer system is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the container. The display unit is also a distinct component that can be attached to or integrated with the container body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled into the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs circuit board traces and electrical connections as intermediaries to link the timer, display, and sensor components. These intermediary elements enable communication and data transfer between components without requiring complex direct integration, simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing for easier assembly and troubleshooting.
3Reliability
If the display and timer are permanently integrated into the container, then the time tracking function is reliable, but the container cannot be easily cleaned or disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The display component is designed with dynamic positioning capability - it can be in a fixed integrated state during normal use for reliability, but can be detached or removed when cleaning is needed. The lid is designed to slide back and forth relative to the container body, and the display can be similarly positioned or detached, providing dynamic flexibility between integrated and separated states.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is designed as a separate component from the main container body, allowing it to be detached for cleaning purposes. The lid is also designed as a separate, removable component that slides back and forth. This segmentation enables the container to be disassembled into cleanable parts while maintaining the integrated timer functionality during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A food storage container system which includes one or more food storage container assemblies. Each food storage container assembly has a container body and a lid designed and configured to work in functional combination to promote food storage means and with the lid containing timing means for tracking time elapsing during use (when storing food). The food storage container assemblies may be made of glass, plastic or other suitably equivalent material that is food- and dishwasher-safe. The lid of the container will be slidable into the base with an indented handle for sliding in and out of the body. The invention will contain an attachable timer that will slid into frond of container and be locked with a snapable button. The timer may comprise a display screen that shows a digital or non-digital display of time.