Modular Food Container Assembly for Insulated Multi-Item Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food storage and transportation containers lack flexibility and efficiency in maintaining temperature and separating different food items during transport and storage, particularly for remote consumption scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A modular container assembly system with interchangeable and stackable containers, each equipped with double-wall foam insulation and adaptable lids, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate various food items and sizes, and featuring a handle for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed container is used for food storage and transport, then the container structure is simple, but it lacks flexibility in accommodating different food items and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into multiple separate cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) that can be independently configured. Each cavity can hold different food items, allowing flexible arrangement based on storage needs while maintaining a unified container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with multiple cavities that can serve different functions - some for hot food, some for cold food, some for separation of different food types. The same container structure can adapt to various storage scenarios by adjusting what each cavity holds.
2Temperature
If insulated chambers are added to maintain food temperature, then temperature maintenance capability is improved, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation feature is integrated into the container walls themselves rather than being a separate component. The container walls provide thermal insulation while the cavities within maintain food separation, combining temperature maintenance and food separation functions in a unified structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple food storage cavities are provided for separating different food items, then food separation capability is improved, but the container design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The internal volume of the container is segmented into multiple distinct cavities (first, second, and third cavities) that can be used to separate different food items. This segmentation allows hot food, cold food, and other items to be stored separately while maintaining a relatively simple overall container design.
4Temperature
If a reusable container with insulation is used, then temperature maintenance is improved, but the weight of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container appears to use composite construction with insulated walls that provide thermal protection. This composite structure maintains temperature while attempting to balance the weight increase from insulation material.
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 system effectively maintains food at desired temperatures and allows for flexible storage and transport of multiple food items, enhancing convenience and versatility for users.
Implementation Method 1
each equipped with double-wall foam insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly for storing and transporting consumable products. The container assembly includes two or more containers, each having a container coupling portion configured to facilitate the coupling of one container to another container. The container assembly also includes one or more adaptor lids operative to seal a cavity of a container by threaded engagement therewith, and to selectively couple two containers together. In some embodiments, two containers may be coupled to each other by placing a first container on top of a second container and rotating the two containers relative to each other. The container assembly may be operative to permit multiple quantities and sizes of containers to be selectively coupled together to provide flexibility for a user to store and transport a variety of consumable products. The container assembly may also include a lid having a handle to allow a user to easily transport the container assembly.