Multipurpose metallic container for take-away food
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of disposable cardboard containers for take-away food products, such as pizzas, poses environmental and health risks due to non-recyclable materials and potential contamination from substances like diisopropyl naphthalenes and diisobutyl phthalates, which can migrate into food.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose container made of a thin sheet of food-grade metallic material, such as aluminum, with a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, featuring a through-hole design for vapor escape and a heat-resistant coating, allowing for reuse and recycling while maintaining structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If disposable cardboard containers are used for take-away food, then the container is easy to manufacture and dispose, but it causes environmental pollution and health risks due to non-recyclable materials and substance migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from cardboard to thin metallic sheet (0.1-0.5mm thickness), transforming the container from disposable to reusable while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structure combining thin metallic sheet with food-grade coating layers, achieving both reusability and food safety by preventing substance migration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Ease of manufacture
If recycled paper material is used for cardboard containers, then the container is easier to dispose of, but it contains harmful substances like diisopropyl naphthalenes and diisobutyl phthalates that can migrate into food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces disposable cardboard with reusable metallic containers that are economically viable despite higher initial cost, eliminating the need for disposal and associated environmental problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces food-grade coating as an intermediary layer between the metallic container and food, preventing direct contact and potential migration of harmful substances while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thin metallic sheet is used for container base and lid, then the container becomes reusable and recyclable, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of metallic sheet to 0.1-0.5mm, finding the optimal balance between reusability and structural stability for container applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with coated metallic sheets, where the coating layers enhance the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the thin metallic base, achieving both reusability and structural integrity
4Quantity of substance
If cardboard containers are used for hot cooked food, then the container is inexpensive and disposable, but it cannot be reused and generates waste disposal costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from cardboard to thin metallic sheet, enabling the container to withstand thermal cycles and be reused multiple times while maintaining cost-effectiveness through lower disposal costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the metallic container to serve multiple functions including hot food containment, reuse after washing, and recycling, making it a versatile solution that replaces single-use cardboard containers
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose container (1;100;200) for hot or cold ready-to-eat food is described, said container having a containing base (2) and a lid (12) for closing said base (2), both made of a metallic food-grade material, said base (2) and/or said lid (12) having at least one through-hole (16) for allowing vapors to escape, the container being characterized in that said base (2) and said lid (12) are made of a thin sheet of metallic material having a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.