Microwave reheating container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave reheating containers face challenges in achieving high heat resistance and structural strength while ensuring food safety, as materials like polycarbonate are no longer safe for food contact, and polypropylene can lead to localized overheating with oily foods, and polyethylene formulations have low structural strength.
Innovation Solution
A microwave reheating container with a concave base and cover made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cores overmolded with thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) for enhanced strength and heat resistance, featuring an elastomeric seal and locking clips for secure closure, ensuring that only PET comes into contact with food and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyethylene formulations are used for single use containers, then food safety is ensured, but structural strength becomes insufficient leading to spills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and TPC (thermoplastic copolyester) in a layered structure. The PET layer contacts food directly to ensure food safety, while the TPC layer provides enhanced structural strength and heat resistance, resolving the contradiction between food safety and structural strength.
2Strength
If polypropylene is used for reheating containers, then structural strength is improved, but localized overheating occurs with oily foods causing bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from polypropylene to PET, which has different thermal properties. PET has better heat distribution characteristics that prevent localized overheating and bubble formation with oily foods, while still maintaining adequate structural strength for reheating applications.
3Temperature
If polycarbonate is used for containers, then heat tolerance and strength are improved, but food safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container into two distinct material layers: an inner PET layer that contacts food (ensuring food safety) and an outer TPC layer that provides enhanced heat tolerance and strength. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising food safety.
4Temperature
If glass materials are used for microwave containers, then heat resistance and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and tolerances worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from glass to a composite thermoplastic structure (PET/TPC). This parameter change maintains heat resistance suitable for microwave reheating while significantly improving ease of manufacture, including better dimensional tolerances and lower manufacturing costs through injection molding processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave reheating container for food including a concave base and a cover. The base and cover both have a core formed of PET sheet material, formed into the appropriate base and cover shapes. The PET cores are crystallized to CPET on their interior. Each core is overmolded on its exterior with TPC capable of injection molding and having greater strength. The cover may include an elastomeric seal about its periphery. The cover may be secured to the base by one or more locking clips.