Integral Condiment Cup with Overcenter Snap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible, disposable food containers face issues with condiment leakage and sogginess when condiments are directly added to the food, and separate condiment cups can be inconvenient for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring an integral condiment cup that protrudes into the container body, which can be unfolded for easy access and securely closed to prevent leakage, using a semi-rigid material like cardboard with a waterproof coating, and an overcenter mechanism for snap-open and snap-close functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If condiments are added directly to the food within the container, then the consumer can easily access the condiment, but this leads to leakage and sogginess of the food
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a main food container and an integrated condiment cup. The cup is formed as a separate compartment within the container body, divided by a partition wall. This segmentation allows the condiment to be stored separately from the food, preventing direct contact that causes sogginess, while still providing easy access through the cup opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate condiment cup is provided, then leakage and sogginess are prevented, but the consumer finds it inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The condiment cup is merged with the main container to form an integrated unit. The cup is formed within the container body, sharing the same structural envelope and materials. This merging eliminates the need for separate condiment containers, making the system more convenient while maintaining the leakage prevention benefits of separate storage.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is made collapsible for transport and storage, then space efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic, movable walls that can transition between collapsed and expanded states. The side walls are configured to fold or collapse inward, reducing the overall volume for transport. The condiment cup maintains its structural integrity through this transformation, with its partition wall and base remaining stable while the outer walls collapse. This dynamic structure allows compact storage while maintaining functionality.
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 integral condiment cup design enhances user convenience by allowing easy access to condiments while preventing leakage and sogginess, and the overcenter mechanism ensures secure closure, maintaining the container's stackability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a container body formed from a blank of semi-rigid material such as cardboard that is optionally coated on the inside and/or outside to be water and/or grease resistant
Implementation Method 2
an overcenter mechanism for snap-open and snap-close functionality
Implementation Method 3
The cup comprises at least one first cup wall that is configured to fold against a side wall of the container. Folding the cup wall against the container wall folds the cup into a closed position, while unfolding the cup wall away from the container wall opens the cup to protrude into the interior of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a single serving of ready-to-eat food includes opposing side walls, an open top and a cup integral with at least one of the side walls and protruding into the interior of the container. The cup is used to dispense a condiment to accompany the food. The cup includes at least one first cup wall that is configured to fold against the at least one side wall to dispose the cup in a closed position, and to unfold to open the cup into the interior of the container. The cup is urged towards the open and closed position by an overcenter mode of operation whereby partially opening or closing the cup initially encounters resistance, which causes connected container walls to bow; continued opening or closing past the overcenter point allows container walls to flatten, thereby urging the cup towards the open or shut position.