Instant Noodles Lid With Thermochromic Wax Time Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indicator labels for instant noodles containers are prone to detachment during transportation and can be mistaken for seasoning, making it difficult to provide a time indication without using a clock, which affects convenience.
Innovation Solution
An instant noodles container lid is designed with a layered structure comprising a surface member, intermediate member, and seal base member, featuring a wax layer that changes color when heated, allowing time indication without external labels, ensuring secure attachment and rapid heat conduction for accurate timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional indicator label is attached to the packaging container using adhesive, then time indication function is provided, but the label may detach during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator function is merged into the lid structure itself by integrating the wax layer and printed layer directly onto the lid. This eliminates the need for separate detachable labels and ensures the indicator remains reliably attached throughout transportation and use.
Solution Approach 2:
A wax layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the lid surface and the printed layer. The wax layer serves as both an adhesive medium to secure the printed layer and as the active indicator material that changes state with heat, solving both attachment reliability and indication function simultaneously.
2Reliability
If an indicator label is attached to the lid using adhesive, then time indication is provided, but users may erroneously remove it thinking it is seasoning
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator function is localized to a specific area on the lid where the wax layer and printed layer are positioned. This creates a distinct functional zone that is integrated into the lid structure, making it clearly identifiable as part of the container rather than removable seasoning.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator components (wax layer, printed layer) are merged directly with the lid structure rather than being separate attachable labels. This integration eliminates user confusion about whether the indicator is removable seasoning, as it becomes an inherent part of the lid.
3Measurement precision
If a layered structure with wax layer is used for heat indication, then accurate time indication is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the wax layer (melting point, color change) in response to temperature and time. By selecting wax with appropriate melting characteristics, accurate time indication is achieved through simple physical property changes rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid employs a composite structure with multiple layers (surface member, intermediate member with paper/filling/wax layers, seal base member). Each layer serves a specific function, and their combination creates an integrated indicator system that is precise yet manufacturable using standard lamination techniques.
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 lid provides a convenient and reliable time indication by color change, preventing detachment and erroneous recognition, enhancing user convenience and responsiveness during the boiling process.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator label the state of which changes due to heat with elapse of time is known... In such an indicator, wax which is melted due to heat and a sheet member that has its color changed by permeation of the melted wax
Implementation Method 2
wax which is melted due to heat
Implementation Method 3
ensuring secure attachment and rapid heat conduction for accurate timing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an instant noodles container lid that provides indication according to elapse of time from the start of boiling water process. An instant noodles container lid includes a surface member, an intermediate member, and a seal base member having a sealant layer in order, respectively, from one surface side. The surface member has a printed layer in an area other than a first area. The intermediate member includes a paper layer, a printed layer, a filling layer, and a wax layer in order, respectively, from the one surface side, and the wax layer is in a second area that covers the first area. A first half cut is formed from the surface member into the paper layer, in the first area. A second half cut is formed in the second area from the filling layer into the paper layer in a portion outside of the first area.