Microwavable Metallic Container With Transparent Base

Solution Overview

Problem

Metallic containers are not typically used for heating foodstuffs in microwave ovens due to electrical arcing concerns, and existing microwavable metal containers are impractical or inefficient, while non-metallic containers have poor heat transfer, durability issues, and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A hermetically sealed metallic container with a microwavable transparent material at the lower end, utilizing a double seaming or welding process, and a conical shape to facilitate efficient heating from the inside out, made from materials like steel or aluminum with polypropylene/EVOH, allowing microwave energy penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If metallic containers are used for microwave heating, then heat transfer efficiency and durability are improved, but electrical arcing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical arcing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into metallic sidewalls and a non-metallic base portion, allowing the metallic parts to provide structural strength and heat transfer while the non-metallic base prevents electrical arcing during microwave heating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container combines metallic materials (for sidewalls and closure) with non-metallic materials (for base portion), creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both material types - durability and heat transfer from metal, plus microwave safety from non-metallic base

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-metallic plastic and foam containers are used, then microwave safety is improved, but heat transfer characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrowave safetyVSAvoidheat transfer characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into metallic sidewalls and a non-metallic base portion, allowing the metallic parts to provide structural strength and heat transfer while the non-metallic base prevents electrical arcing during microwave heating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container combines metallic materials (for sidewalls and closure) with non-metallic materials (for base portion), creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both material types - durability and heat transfer from metal, plus microwave safety from non-metallic base

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If hermetic seal is implemented for long-term storage, then food storage safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood storage safetyVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the rim structure of the container, where the rim itself forms part of the sealing mechanism through interference fit with the closure, eliminating the need for separate complex sealing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure and rim are designed to automatically form a hermetic seal through their geometric interlocking features when assembled, requiring no additional sealing operations or complex sealing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 safe, efficient, and durable metallic container for heating foodstuffs in microwaves, reducing heating time, preventing overheating, and enhancing recyclability, while maintaining food quality and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a microwave transparent material interconnected to a lower end of the metallic container sidewall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the microwavable transparent material and sidewall are double seamed to a reinforcing material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8080770B2Microwavable metallic container

Publication Date: 2011.12.20 BALL METALPACK LLC

AI summary

The present invention describes an apparatus used in conjunction with a metallic container adapted for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a microwave oven, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion, metallic reinforcing member, and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.