Heat-Shrinkable Pan Covers for Ovenable Leak-Safe Food Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food service pan covers are prone to tearing, leaking, and are not ovenable, making them unsuitable for high-temperature applications and stacking, while also posing safety hazards during use.
Innovation Solution
A heat-shrinkable, transparent, and durable polymeric cover that can withstand high temperatures, providing a tight seal and allowing for easy viewing of contents, with features like gussets for expansion and tear notches for easy removal, made from materials like MQ501 and MQ520 films that are safe for food contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plastic films are used to cover pans, then moisture retention is improved, but the covers are not ovenable and cannot withstand high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting polymers with high glass transition temperatures (Tg > 100°C) and specific melting points, enabling the cover to withstand oven temperatures while maintaining moisture retention properties. The polymer composition is specifically engineered to remain stable at cooking temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures, either through multi-layer films combining different polymer properties or through blended polymer compositions that integrate the advantages of individual materials - achieving both moisture barrier properties and high-temperature stability simultaneously.
2Strength
If metal foils are used to cover pans, then durability and puncture resistance are improved, but the covers are opaque and do not allow easy viewing of contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible polymer films that can be engineered to be both mechanically strong (resistant to puncture and tearing) and optically transparent. The film structure provides the necessary durability while allowing visual inspection of food contents, eliminating the opacity problem of metal foils.
3Strength
If conventional thermoplastic films are used, then durability is improved, but the covers do not grip or cling well to pan edges, allowing spillage and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts critical material parameters including the polymer's glass transition temperature, melting point, and elasticity modulus to optimize the balance between durability and sealing performance. The material is engineered to be sufficiently compliant at service temperatures to conform to pan edges and prevent leakage, while maintaining structural integrity.
4Strength
If multiple coverings (plastic film and foil) are used to cover a single pan, then puncture and tear resistance are improved, but the time and expense for covering the pan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate coverings (plastic film for moisture retention and foil for strength) into a single integrated polymer film structure. This monolithic design provides both durability and moisture barrier properties in one layer, eliminating the need for multiple covering steps and reducing both time and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal polymer film material that simultaneously performs multiple functions: moisture barrier, structural strength, heat resistance, and sealing - replacing the need for specialized separate layers designed for each individual function.
5Quantity of substance
If paper sheets are used to cover pans, then cost is reduced, but the covers are easily torn and are moisture and air permeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin polymer film structures that, despite their low material cost and thin profile, provide superior tear resistance and moisture barrier properties compared to paper. The engineered film maintains cost-effectiveness while eliminating the structural weaknesses of paper covers.
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 solution provides a reliable, safe, and cost-effective pan cover that prevents leakage and allows for stacking, while being ovenable and easy to use, reducing worker safety risks and enhancing food quality control.
Implementation Method 1
the cover is pre-formed by, for example, thermoforming to fit a pan
Data Source
AI summary
A heat-shrinkable polymeric cover provides a safe, low cost way to cover a food service pan during food preparation, storage, cooking, transport and reheating. The food pan cover can have a closed top end having a first top edge and a second top edge and an open bottom end having a first bottom edge and a second bottom edge. A first side seal extends from the top end to the bottom end, and a second side seal extends from the top end to the bottom end. A gusset can be formed between the first top edge and the second top edge. The food pan cover can be formed from a single layer of heat-shrinkable polymeric material capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.