Removable Insert Meat Tray for Pad-Free Extrudate Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trays for fresh meat products with absorbent pads cannot be recycled due to the pads being left in the recycling stream, as consumers often fail to remove them.
Innovation Solution
A self-draining tray design that uses a polymeric insert to separate extrudate from the meat, allowing drainage and recyclability, featuring a locking mechanism to secure the insert within the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an absorbent pad is used to capture extrudate, then the extrudate is effectively separated from the meat product, but the tray cannot be recycled because consumers fail to remove the pad
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad is completely removed from the tray structure. Instead, a polymeric insert with drainage channels is used to separate and drain extrudate away from the meat product, allowing the entire tray to be recycled without requiring consumer removal of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric insert serves multiple functions: it separates the meat product from the tray bottom, provides drainage channels for extrudate, and maintains structural support. This single component achieves what previously required separate absorbent pads while enabling recyclability
2Ease of manufacture
If a polymeric insert with drainage channels is used, then the tray becomes fully recyclable, but the complexity of the tray structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert and tray are designed to work as an integrated system where the insert fits into the tray's recessed area. The locking mechanism combines the insert retention function with the tray structure, reducing the need for separate fastening components and simplifying the overall assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is divided into functional zones: a top surface for meat placement, lateral walls with drainage channels for extrudate flow, and a bottom surface for insertion into the tray. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the insert, then the insert remains stable during transport, but the ease of operation for consumers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses resilient locking arms that can deflect outward to allow easy insertion and removal by consumers, while spring force maintains stable locking during normal transport and handling. The dynamic response adapts to the applied force level
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms are designed with curved, resilient geometry that allows them to flex outward when force is applied for removal, then spring back to engage with the tray's locking surfaces. This curved design provides both stable locking and easy operability through mechanical elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a container for food products that extrudate liquids comprising a tray and a bowed insert. The tray bottom wall has at least one raised area, at least one lower surface, and at least one sidewall. A plurality of flutes are disposed on the inner surface sidewall(s). A plurality of elevated portions extend upwardly from the bowed insert. The insert is secured within the tray. A reservoir is defined between the insert and the tray bottom wall. The elevated portions of the insert, the flutes, and the at least one raised area of the tray bottom define a plurality of channels.