Nested Container Assembly to Prevent Allergen Cross-Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food preparation and serving methods fail to effectively mitigate cross-contamination of allergens, leading to uncertainties for diners with food allergies, as the presence of allergens in prepared food cannot be confirmed, and remaking food is often necessary if allergens are recognized.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable container assembly comprising a container base, a container lid, and a steaming lid, which creates a controlled environment for food preparation and serving by enclosing the food to prevent contaminants like allergens, germs, and non-kosher foods from entering, using a hinge mechanism and steaming lid to ensure a sealed environment for cooking and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional open food preparation and serving methods are used, then food accessibility and simplicity are improved, but cross-contamination from allergens and other contaminants cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested container structure where an inner food container is placed within an outer container. The inner container holds the food item, while the outer container provides additional protection and contains a removable lid that creates a sealed environment. This nesting approach prevents cross-contamination by isolating food from external contaminants while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The container assembly is divided into separate functional components: an inner food-holding container, an outer protective container, and a removable lid assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (food storage, protection, and sealed enclosure) while enabling easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning and refilling, thus preventing cross-contamination without excessive complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If food is prepared in a controlled sealed environment, then contamination prevention is improved, but ease of operation for opening and closing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic movement between open and closed positions. The hinge allows the lid to be easily opened for food placement and closed for sealing, then remains securely closed during transport. This dynamic design maintains the sealed environment needed to prevent contaminant entry while ensuring ease of operation during food preparation and serving.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable lid assembly is used to create a sealed environment, then cross-contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable lid assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the container to prevent allergen cross-contamination, provides a handle for easy carrying, and can be detached for cleaning or storage. The inner and outer containers work together to provide both food containment and protective enclosure. This multi-functionality approach prevents cross-contamination while managing device complexity by making each component serve several purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable container assembly includes a container base, a container lid, and a steaming lid. The container base partially encloses a container base void that is configured to receive a food. The container base includes a first container base sidewall and a container base bottom wall. The container base bottom wall is contiguous with the first container base sidewall. The container lid is configured to enclose the container base void. The container lid includes a first container lid sidewall coupled to the first container base sidewall. The steaming lid includes a first steaming lid sidewall coupled to the first container lid sidewall. The steaming lid cooperates with the container base to enclose the container lid between the container base and the steaming lid.