Hanging condiment container holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condiment holders for food packages are inadequate as they often result in uneven condiment distribution, are not securely attached, and cannot accommodate industry-standard soufflé cups, leading to spills and inconvenience, especially in cramped spaces.
Innovation Solution
A hanging condiment container holder with a clip portion for secure attachment to food packages, a loop portion for receiving condiment containers, and an extension wall that accommodates industry-standard soufflé cups, providing a sturdy and spill-resistant arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If condiment holders are suspended directly from the sides of food packages, then condiments are accessible, but the arrangement is awkward and unbalanced, resulting in spills
Solution Approach 1:
The holder transitions from a side-suspended arrangement to a top-mounted arrangement on the food package. The clip portion attaches to the upper edge of the food package, positioning the condiment container above the food rather than at the side, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of attachment and eliminating the imbalance issue
Solution Approach 2:
The extension wall acts as a counterbalancing element that extends downward from the clip portion to support the condiment container. This extension wall provides structural support and balance, preventing the holder from tipping over and causing spills
2Ease of operation
If condiment holders are positioned adjacent the upper lip of a cup, then condiments are accessible, but the arrangement is unbalanced and easily topples the food container
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is repositioned from an adjacent lateral position to a top-mounted position on the upper edge of the food package. The clip portion secures to the top rim, distributing weight vertically rather than laterally, preventing toppling of the food container
Solution Approach 2:
The clip portion is designed to preemptively secure the holder to the upper edge of the food package before any condiment application occurs. This preliminary attachment ensures stable positioning and prevents instability during subsequent condiment use
3Adaptability or versatility
If known trough condiment holders are used, then condiments can be held, but they cannot accommodate industry-standard soufflé cups
Solution Approach 1:
The loop portion is designed with universal dimensions and characteristics that can accommodate various condiment containers including industry-standard soufflé cups. The extension wall and loop portion are sized to fit multiple container types, making the holder universally applicable rather than specialized for one container type
Solution Approach 2:
The holder dimensions, particularly the extension wall length and loop portion size, are specifically configured to accommodate standard soufflé cup dimensions. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the holder can universally fit industry-standard condiment containers while maintaining structural integrity
4Adaptability or versatility
If food packages are pre-formed with flaps or pockets to hold condiments, then condiments are integrated, but the packages are complicated and cannot be adjusted by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The condiment holder is separated from the food package itself, becoming an independent attachable component. The clip portion attaches to the package upper edge, while the loop portion holds the condiment container, dividing the system into modular segments that can be assembled and adjusted by the user without complicating the base package structure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder transitions from a static pre-formed package structure to a dynamic, user-adjustable attachment. The clip portion allows the user to position and secure the holder at the optimal location on the food package, providing adaptability without requiring complex pre-manufacturing of the package itself
Data Source
AI summary
A hanging condiment container holder is provided including a clip portion for removably attaching the holder to an upper portion of a food package, a loop portion for receiving a condiment container, and an extension wall extending between the clip portion and the loop portion. The clip portion may be contoured to the shape of the upper edge or lip of a food package such as a cup. Various clip portions may be employed for removably attaching the hanging condiment container holder to a food package such as a cup.