Nested Food Container With Closure-Actuated Port
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food containers require the inner container to be removed from the outer container to access its contents, which is inconvenient and does not secure the outer container in a closed configuration effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable food container design featuring a first container within a second container, where the first container can be accessed without opening the second container, and the closure of the first container secures the second container in a closed configuration, utilizing a hinge mechanism and a port system to align the closure with the opening of the first container for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner container is removed from the outer container to access its contents, then the contents can be accessed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container is nested within the outer container such that the inner container can be accessed through an opening in the outer container's closure without removing it from the outer container. This nesting arrangement allows direct access to the inner container contents while maintaining the compact nested structure for storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer container's closure is segmented to include an opening that provides access to the inner container. This segmentation allows the closure to serve dual functions: sealing the outer container and providing access to the inner container contents, thereby eliminating the need to remove the inner container entirely.
2Ease of operation
If the inner container is removed from the outer container to access its contents, then the contents can be accessed, but the outer container cannot remain securely closed
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement allows the inner container to be accessed through the outer container's closure without breaking the outer container's sealed configuration. The inner container remains nested within the outer container, maintaining the outer container's closed and secure state while enabling access to inner contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the outer container's closure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need to access inner container contents and the need to maintain outer container security. This intermediary opening allows access while the rest of the closure maintains the secure closed configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a port system and hinge mechanism are added to align the closure with the opening, then access is enabled without opening the outer container, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The port system and hinge mechanism are merged into the outer container's closure structure. The opening is integrated into the closure, and the hinge mechanism is incorporated as part of the closure assembly, thereby enabling access functionality without adding separate independent components that would increase overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable food container includes a first container for receiving a food item and having a first end with an opening, a second end, and a sidewall connecting the first and second ends. A closure of the first container is releasably securable to the opening. A second container has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and defines a first cell for receiving a food item, a second cell for receiving the first container, and a port for receiving a portion of the first container. When the second container is in the closed configuration and the first container is located in the second cell, the first container opening is substantially aligned with the port to receive the closure. The closure secures the second container in the closed configuration when the first container is located in the second cell and the closure is secured to the opening.