Nested Inner Container Design to Reduce Insulated Container Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated food and beverage containers require frequent washing and preparation, limiting their convenience and versatility, as they do not have an inner container that covers the inner surface of the outer container, leading to food and beverage contact with the inner surface and subsequent cleaning needs.
Innovation Solution
An insulated food and beverage container system that includes an outer insulated container with a cylindrical body and a removable lid, and an inner container that fits snugly within the outer container, matingly engaging with specific elements on the outer container to prevent spinning or rattling, and covering the inner surface to prevent food and beverage contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If food and beverage are placed directly in the outer insulated container, then the container structure is simple, but the inner surface requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into two separate components: an outer insulated container and an inner removable container. This segmentation allows the inner container to be removed for cleaning or replacement, eliminating the need to clean the entire outer container frequently while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container acts as an intermediary between the food/beverage and the outer container's inner surface. By placing the inner container inside, food contact is prevented with the outer container, thus eliminating contamination and cleaning needs for the outer container's inner surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner container is made removable and replaceable, then versatility and convenience are improved, but the risk of spinning or rattling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container features an asymmetric design with a flat bottom and a rim that fits into a corresponding recess in the outer container. This asymmetric geometry prevents the inner container from spinning or rattling while being removed and replaced, maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is designed to nest securely within the outer container, with the inner container's rim fitting into a recess of the outer container. This nesting arrangement provides stable positioning while allowing easy removal and replacement of the inner container.
3Ease of operation
If the inner container covers the inner surface of the outer container, then cleaning needs are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into an outer insulated container and a separate inner removable container. This segmentation allows the inner container to cover and protect the outer container's inner surface, eliminating cleaning needs for the outer container while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container serves multiple functions: it holds food or beverage, covers the outer container's inner surface to prevent contamination, and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. This multi-functionality reduces cleaning requirements for the outer container without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 provides enhanced insulating characteristics, eliminates the need for frequent cleaning, and allows for easy removal and replacement of the inner container lid, while keeping the outer container clean and reusable.
Implementation Method 1
an outer insulated container including a cylindrical body portion with an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer insulated container further including a removable outer container lid that is configured to sealingly engage with the cylindrical body portion so as to minimize thermal transfer with an outside environment
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated food and/or beverage container system includes an outer insulated container with a cylindrical body portion and a removable outer container lid that is configured to sealingly engage with the cylindrical body portion so as to minimize thermal transfer with an outside environment; and an inner container configured to fit within the outer insulated container, the inner container defining an interior cavity for holding food and/or a beverage, and the inner container including one or more first elements that are configured to matingly engage with one or more second elements on the cylindrical body portion of the outer insulated container so that the inner container is able to fully and securely nest inside the outer insulated container without any spinning or significant rattling. The outer insulated container and the inner container collectively provide enhanced insulating characteristics.