Disposable Microwaveable Container with Insulating Gaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable food containers are not compatible with high-speed, high-temperature cooking ovens like combination microwave and convection ovens, as they typically melt or burn at temperatures above 400°F, posing safety hazards and requiring inconvenient food transfer.
Innovation Solution
A disposable microwaveable food container design featuring an inner cup with a support structure and outer cover shell that creates gaps for insulation, allowing the container to withstand temperatures up to 550°F without damage, enabling direct cooking and consumption from the same packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current disposable food containers are used in high-speed ovens, then convenience and speed are improved, but the containers melt or burn at temperatures above 400°F causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two distinct parts: an inner cup that contacts the food and an outer shell that provides thermal protection. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function - the inner cup maintains food contact while the outer shell withinsulated air gaps protects against high temperatures up to 550°F, resolving the contradiction between cooking speed and container integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Air gaps are introduced as an intermediary thermal insulation layer between the inner cup and outer shell. These gaps act as a thermal barrier that protects the inner cup from direct high-temperature exposure while still allowing the container to withstand oven temperatures, enabling safe use in high-speed ovens without compromising container integrity.
2Ease of operation
If current disposable containers are used, then single-use convenience is achieved, but food transfer is required which creates waste and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions throughout the cooking and serving process. The inner cup with its support structure and outer shell configuration allows the container to withstand high-temperature cooking (up to 550°F) and then be used for serving the food directly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for food transfer to another container, reducing both inconvenience and food waste while maintaining the convenience of single-use packaging.
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 container design protects the inner cup from extreme temperatures, allowing safe use in high-speed ovens and eliminating the need for transferring food, reducing waste and safety risks while maintaining food quality.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure can contact the inner cup and hold it in a position with a bottom gap of at least about 0.05 inches between the bottom wall of the inner cup and the bottom wall of the outer cover shell, a side gap of at least about 0.05 inches between the side wall of the inner cup and the side wall of the outer cover shell, and a top gap of at least about 0.3 inches between the top seal layer of the inner cup and the wall of the outer cover shell
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to microwaveable food containers and food products for high-temperature cooking applications and related methods. In an embodiment, a disposable microwaveable food container for high-temperature cooking applications is included. The container can include an inner cup including a bottom wall, a side wall connected to the bottom wall, the side wall comprising a top, and a top seal layer in contact with the top of the side wall. The bottom wall and side wall together can define a reservoir to hold a food material. An outer cover shell can include a bottom wall, a side wall connected to the bottom wall, a top wall connected the side wall, and a support structure for supporting the inner cup. The support structure can contact the inner cup and hold it in a position with a bottom gap, a side gap, and a top gap. Other embodiments are also included herein.