Insulated Modular Meal Container with Collapsible Shuttle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food containers fail to maintain temperature effectively during transport, storage, and reheating, and are often made of non-reusable, environmentally hazardous materials, leading to waste and increased costs for food establishments.
Innovation Solution
A modular, insulated combination meal and to-go box with a double-wall construction, vacuum insulation, and a collapsible shuttle member made of food-grade materials, allowing for temperature retention, easy storage, reheating, and reuse, while reducing the need for disposable containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable to-go containers are used, then food transport convenience is improved, but environmental harm and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces disposable containers with reusable insulated containers that can be washed and reused multiple times. The container system includes a durable outer container and removable inner containers that can be separated for cleaning and reuse, eliminating the need to discard after single use while maintaining food transport convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The insulated container serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation during transport, acts as a storage container in the refrigerator, and can be used for reheating food. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate disposable containers for different purposes, reducing waste while maintaining convenience
2Temperature
If insulated containers are used, then temperature maintenance is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested container structure where removable inner containers are placed inside the main insulated container. When not in use, the inner containers can be stored within the outer container, allowing both containers to fit efficiently in refrigerator space while maintaining temperature insulation when assembled for food transport
3Temperature
If insulated containers are used, then temperature maintenance is improved, but reheating suitability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container system into a permanent outer insulated container and removable inner containers. The inner containers are designed to be microwave-safe and can be removed from the insulated outer container for reheating, then placed back in for transport. This segmentation allows the system to provide both temperature maintenance during transport and reheating capability when needed
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 effectively maintains food temperature during transport and storage, supports ecological responsibility through reusability, and reduces waste by eliminating the need for disposable packaging, while also providing a convenient and efficient way to consume meals.
Implementation Method 1
the insulated double-wall-construction base member being insulated by a vacuum within the double-wall-construction base and the double-wall-construction sidewalls
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, insulated, configurable combination meal and to-go box for facilitating ecologically responsible and reusable storage and transport of food and other items, with a double-wall-construction lid and utensil tray, an insulated double-wall-construction base member having sidewalls and a base, a removable divider, and a removable flexible shuttle member with a shuttle member lid that can form three configurations: 1) within the double-wall-construction base member; 2) extended to substantially fill the insulated double-wall-construction base member; and 3) extended to any multiple volume shapes of the shuttle member and kept outside of the insulated double-wall-construction base member.