Food Container Locking Hinge with Free-Space Tab for Label Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food storage systems face challenges such as inadequate labeling methods that fail in low-temperature environments, leading to illegible labels, adhesive residue issues, and inefficient space utilization in refrigerators and freezers, which result in energy waste and difficulty in identifying stored food items.
Innovation Solution
A food container design featuring a removable lid with a locking hinge and tab system that allows for a free space between the tab and the side wall, enabling easy access to labels and QR codes without removing the container, combined with a storage compartment that optimizes space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive labels are used on food containers, then identification of food contents is possible, but the labels become detached during storage in refrigerators or freezers due to moisture and low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling function is extracted from the container body and transferred to the transparent lid. The lid serves as a separate, dedicated labeling surface that is not affected by the container walls, allowing labels to remain stable and readable throughout storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent lid provides a localized area with optimal labeling properties - a smooth, flat surface that is not subject to the same environmental stresses as the container body. This local quality enhancement ensures label reliability specifically where identification is needed.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive labels are used on food containers, then food identification is enabled, but removing the labels leaves adhesive residue on the container
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling function is extracted from the container body and transferred to the transparent lid. The lid serves as a separate, dedicated labeling surface that is not affected by the container walls, allowing labels to remain stable and readable throughout storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent lid material allows for easy label removal without residue. The specific material properties of the transparent lid enable clean label detachment, preventing adhesive residue problems that plague conventional container labeling.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional containers are stored in refrigerators and freezers, then food storage is achieved, but the containers do not fit the storage space efficiently resulting in unused empty space and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The container system incorporates flexible, adjustable components that allow adaptation to different storage spaces. The dynamic adjustment of container configuration enables optimal space utilization in various refrigerator and freezer compartments, eliminating wasted space and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows for parameter changes in size and shape to match different storage compartment dimensions. By adjusting container parameters, the system maximizes storage capacity and minimizes empty space, thereby reducing the energy required for cooling.
4Volume of stationary object
If conventional containers are stored in refrigerators and freezers, then food storage is achieved, but the containers cannot be fully utilized resulting in unused empty space
Solution Approach 1:
The container system incorporates flexible, adjustable components that allow adaptation to different storage spaces. The dynamic adjustment of container configuration enables optimal space utilization in various refrigerator and freezer compartments, eliminating wasted space and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows for parameter changes in size and shape to match different storage compartment dimensions. By adjusting container parameters, the system maximizes storage capacity and minimizes empty space, thereby reducing the energy required for cooling.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a food container (1) with a base (13), side walls (11a, 11b, 11c), and a removable lid (3) which has at least one locking hinge with a tab (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) which is assigned to one of the side walls (11a, 11b, 11c) and can thus be brought into engagement with the side wall (11a, 11b, 11c) to close the food container. When the food container (1) is closed by the lid (3), an edge of the tab (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) directed away from the lid (3) is spaced from the side wall (11a, 11b, 11c) in such a way that a free space (35b, 35d) is formed between the side wall (11a, 11b, 11c) and the edge of the tab (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) directed away from the lid (3).