Thermal Insulation Food Container with Segmented Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers for prepared food lack sufficient sealing and dimensional stability, particularly when tilted or twisted, leading to potential leakage and inadequate retention of heat.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating transport container with partition walls and separating elements that create separate food storage areas, enhanced by a locking mechanism and elastic materials for improved sealing and torsional rigidity, allowing for adjustable volume and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid and base are firmly connected along one edge to enable easy opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates because the lid only rests on edges when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between lid and base is segmented into multiple discrete connection points (protrusions and recesses) distributed around the perimeter, rather than a single continuous connection. This allows the lid to be firmly secured when closed while maintaining the ability to pivot open easily.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism: the protrusions and recesses simultaneously provide sealing contact, structural alignment, and mechanical interlocking. This combines sealing performance with ease of operation in one unified connection system.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple tab-and-opening connections are used for easy handling and cost-effective manufacture, then ease of manufacture and ease of operation are improved, but dimensional stability and sealing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple protrusion-recess pairs around the perimeter, distributing mechanical and sealing functions across multiple points. This provides torsional rigidity and dimensional stability while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism combines rigid structural elements (protrusions and recesses) with sealing elements (gaskets or sealing surfaces) to create a composite connection system that provides both structural stability and sealing performance at low cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partition walls and separating elements are added to create separate storage areas, then functionality and food separation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space is segmented into multiple storage compartments using partition walls in the base and separating elements in the lid. This allows different food items to be stored separately while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls and separating elements are nested within the existing lid and base structures, integrating compartmentalization functionality without requiring separate external components. The partitions are formed as integral parts of the lid and base assemblies.
4Stability of the object's composition
If V-shaped protrusions and recesses are used for secure attachment and torsional stability, then dimensional stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped protrusions and recesses use asymmetric geometry to provide mechanical interlocking and torsional resistance. The specific V-shape configuration creates natural alignment and resistance to rotational forces while being amenable to standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry parameters (V-angle, protrusion height, recess depth) are optimized to provide adequate torsional stability while maintaining tolerance compatibility with standard manufacturing capabilities. The parameters are selected to balance performance requirements with manufacturability.
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
Ensures secure, leak-proof storage of different food items with maintained heat retention and crispness, even under unfavorable conditions, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The transport container is made of a thermally insulating material. A thermally insulating material, as defined in this invention, is a food-safe material with a high thermal insulation effect.
Implementation Method 2
The line connecting the base and lid is formed from an elastic material that is deformable under compression.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport container for prepared food. The transport container is made of a thermally insulating material. It is constructed as a trough-shaped lower part (1; 301) and a lid (201; 308). The trough-shaped lower part (1; 301) contains at least one partition (7) for dividing the receiving space of the transport container into several receiving areas (8, 9). The lid (201; 308) and the lower part (1; 301) interlock and seal each other in the edge region (304, 307). According to the present invention, the lid (201, 308) has one or more partition elements (202, 203; 402). The number of partition elements (202, 203; 402) corresponds to the number of partitions (7).The course of the separating element (202, 203; 402) or separating elements (202, 203; 402) corresponds to the course of the partition (7) or partitions (7), so that when the transport container is closed, the separating element (202, 203; 402) or separating elements (202, 203; 402) and the partition (7) correspond to each other. The corresponding separating elements (202, 203; 402) and partitions (7) interlock and seal tightly, and/or overlap, so that when the transport container is closed, the separating elements (202, 203; 402) and the partitions (7) form several completely separate receiving areas (8, 9) for food inside the transport container.