Food storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food storage containers are bulky, difficult to clean, and prone to lid separation, which compromises their sealing integrity.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with a hinge and pivot axis, coupled to first and second frame components, secures first and second shells made of flexible materials, forming a friction fit and compression fit to maintain a closed configuration, with optional locking mechanisms for enhanced security and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid structures are used for food storage containers, then structural strength is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates due to crevices and complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible silicone shells that can be collapsed into a compact state, eliminating complex crevices and geometries that trap food particles. The smooth, flexible surface allows for easy wiping and cleaning, while the material itself maintains sufficient structural strength through its elastic properties and frame support structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lids and bottoms are separate components, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to separation and compromised sealing integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lid and bottom components into a unified frame structure with a hinge connection, eliminating the risk of separation between these components. This merged design maintains sealing integrity while the hinge provides the necessary adaptability for opening and closing operations. The frame structure acts as a single cohesive unit that preserves the vacuum seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism introduces dynamic functionality to the previously static lid-bottom assembly, allowing controlled movement between closed and open states. This dynamic element provides adaptability for access while maintaining reliability when closed, as the hinge includes features to prevent accidental opening while preserving the seal.
3Volume of stationary object
If bulky designs are used for food storage containers, then volume capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in handling and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collapsible design where the flexible silicone walls can be compressed and nested within the frame structure, reducing the container's volume from its expanded storage state to a compact handling state. This nesting capability allows the container to maintain large volume capacity when needed while becoming easy to handle and store when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static bulky form to a dynamic structure that can change volume. The flexible walls allow the container to be compressed and expanded as needed, providing ease of operation for handling and storage while maintaining adequate volume capacity for food storage when expanded.
4Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-sealing mechanism where the flexible silicone material inherently creates and maintains the vacuum seal through its elastic properties. When the container is collapsed, the flexible walls naturally conform to each other and the frame, creating seals without requiring complex mechanical components. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing device complexity.
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 compact, easily cleanable, and securely sealed food storage container that maintains an airtight or liquid-tight environment, facilitating easy opening and closing with durable hinges and flexible shells.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge with a pivot axis, a first frame component, and a second frame component; a hinge may couple the first frame component and the second frame component and be configured to facilitate rotation about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
The first shell may include a seating edge around a first-shell inner perimeter and the second shell may include a raised ridge around a second-shell inner perimeter; the seating edge and raised ridge may be configured to form a friction fit that isolates an interior volume
Implementation Method 3
A frame structure with a hinge and pivot axis, coupled to first and second frame components, secures first and second shells made of flexible materials, forming a friction fit and compression fit to maintain a closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container may include a frame structure having a hinge with a pivot axis, a first frame component, and a second frame component coupled to the first frame component by a hinge; a first shell and a second shell; and one or more securing structures configured to facilitate isolation of an interior volume from the space exterior to the interior volume and maintenance of the storage container in a closed configuration. When the storage container is in a closed configuration, an interior volume bounded by the frame structure, first shell and second shell may be isolated from a space exterior to the interior volume.