Food container and method and system for making and using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food packaging and delivery systems fail to maintain food temperature, lead to waste generation, and allow tampering, making the delivery of freshly prepared food challenging and environmentally unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
The use of integrated delivery units (IDUs) with advanced materials and insulation, including phase-change materials (PCMs) and vacuum insulation, to maintain food temperature and reduce waste through reusable containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional packaging materials (cardboard, paper, single-use plastic) are used, then the container is easy to manufacture and dispose, but the food temperature cannot be maintained during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials including vacuum insulation layers, phase-change materials (PCMs), and thermal conductive materials in a multi-layer construction. The container combines an outer shell, vacuum insulation layer, PCM layer, and inner food-contact layer to maintain food temperature while managing structural complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase-change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid-crystal) at specific temperatures to absorb or release heat. The PCM layer transitions between crystalline and liquid states to regulate food temperature during delivery, actively maintaining thermal conditions without external power
2Loss of substance
If single-use disposable containers are used, then waste generation is high, but the container can be easily disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
The patent promotes reusable containers that can be collected, cleaned, and redistributed through a circular economy system. The container is designed for multiple uses with durable materials, and the system includes collection and sanitization infrastructure to enable continuous reuse, dramatically reducing single-use packaging waste
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can serve multiple purposes: food containment, temperature maintenance, and reusable circulation. The standardized design allows it to be used across different restaurants and delivery scenarios, maximizing utilization and minimizing waste
3Reliability
If conventional packaging is used, then the container is simple in structure, but delivery workers can open and tamper with the food
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-sealed with tamper-evident packaging and security seals before delivery. The vacuum-sealed construction and integrated lids with sealing mechanisms are prepared in advance to prevent unauthorized opening, providing food security without requiring complex active monitoring systems during transit
4Temperature
If advanced insulation materials (vacuum insulation, PCMs) are used, then food temperature is maintained, but the container weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change materials provide passive thermal regulation through their inherent phase transition properties, eliminating the need for active heating or cooling systems that would add significant weight. The PCMs absorb and release heat during phase changes, maintaining food temperature with minimal additional mass compared to active thermal control systems
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 effectively maintains food temperature during delivery, reduces waste, and enhances the dining experience by providing a restaurant-like quality at home, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The container can include a thermal mass layer including a phase-change material (PCM) configured to maintain the food at a desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
The container can include an insulation layer between the thermal mass layer and the exterior surface of the container
Implementation Method 3
The container can include a thermal mass layer including a phase-change material (PCM) configured to maintain the food at a desired temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Containers for food, and methods and systems for making and using the same. An exemplary container for food can include an insulated tray including one or more sub-units and one or more heat sink units configured to store the food and fit in the tray. An alternative container can include a container base and a receptacle fitting in the container base, the container base including one or more thermal function pieces therein for maintaining a temperature of the receptacle. An alternative container can include a serving base defining one or more slots for holding the food items, respectively, and a cover configured to cooperate with the serving base, wherein at least the serving base, or at least the cover, includes a thermal function piece, the thermal function piece including a phase-change material. An exemplary method for using the container includes treating the phase-change material to an initial temperature.