Retainer Cup Scalloped Surface Dough Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packages for refrigerated dough products lack an effective mechanism to separate and securely store additional ingredients within the tubular structure without compromising the integrity of the packaging under pressure from the expanding dough.
Innovation Solution
A tubular package design featuring a retainer cup with a scalloped surface and flared rim, combined with a closure lid, which engages the support rim to securely hold the separate ingredient and withstand the pressure of the expanding dough, while minimizing material usage and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a simple cylindrical cup is used to store separate ingredients, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cup lacks sufficient rigidity to withstand pressure from expanding dough
Solution Approach 1:
The cup incorporates a scalloped surface with curved grooves and ribs instead of a simple cylindrical shape. This curved geometry provides structural rigidity to withstand dough expansion pressure while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance and efficient material distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup wall is segmented into multiple ribs and grooves that run longitudinally. This segmentation creates a reinforced structure where the ribs act as structural supports to resist pressure from the expanding dough, while the grooves provide material relief.
2Strength
If a thick-walled cup is used to increase strength, then the cup can withstand pressure better, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scalloped surface with its curved grooves and ribs distributes stress more efficiently throughout the cup wall, allowing for thinner walls while maintaining strength. The curved geometry naturally resists pressure better than flat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented rib structure concentrates material where it is most needed for structural support (at the ribs) while removing material from less critical areas (the grooves), optimizing material usage for pressure resistance.
3Reliability
If the cup rim is flared outward to increase stability, then the closure lid engagement is improved, but the cup occupies more space within the tubular package
Solution Approach 1:
The cup features an asymmetric rim design where only the upper edge portion is flared outward while the main body remains compact. This asymmetric flaring provides sufficient engagement surface for the closure lid without significantly increasing the overall volume occupied within the tubular package.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaring is applied locally only to the upper edge portion of the cup where it is needed for closure lid engagement, rather than flaring the entire cup. This localized modification provides the necessary engagement surface while minimizing space consumption within the package.
Data Source
AI summary
A package is defined to retain a first product and a separate ingredient. The package includes a hollow tubular body and first and second end closures sealed to the ends of the tube. A retainer cup is provided for storing the separate ingredient. The retainer cup includes a generally tubular cup wall, with an upper edge portion defining a support rim that surrounds a cup opening. One sidewall of the cup wall includes a plurality of concave curved groves forming a scalloped surface. The scalloped surface extends longitudinally along the cup wall and defines a scalloped edge profile for the support rim. A closure lid overlies the cup opening and closes the separate ingredient within the cup interior.