Rotating Ring Date Indicator for Food Storage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mothers face challenges in managing breast milk storage, leading to potential health risks due to unclear storage dates, and similar issues exist with food and perishable items, resulting in waste and health concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system of milk and food storage containers with integrated mechanisms, such as rotating rings and dials, for easily denoting the storage date and time, along with a kit that includes educational resources for nursing mothers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual labeling of containers with date information is used, then storage tracking information is provided, but the process is time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container automatically tracks and displays storage duration without requiring manual labeling. The container itself serves the function of time tracking through integrated indicators that change based on storage time, eliminating the need for external labeling actions by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual labeling system with an automated indication system. The container uses mechanical or visual indicators (such as color-changing materials or rotating rings) that automatically reflect storage time, substituting the manual writing or sticker application process with an automated display mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If large quantities of milk are stored in advance, then storage convenience is improved, but the risk of feeding stale milk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container incorporates visual feedback mechanisms that continuously indicate the storage duration and freshness status of the contents. Color-changing materials or progressive indicators provide real-time feedback to users about whether the stored milk is still safe to use, enabling informed decisions about consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color-changing materials that respond to storage time or temperature conditions. The container or its components change color to indicate different storage stages or freshness levels, providing an intuitive visual signal system that helps users quickly assess milk safety without requiring manual checking.
3Device complexity
If no date marking mechanism is provided, then container simplicity is maintained, but care givers cannot determine if milk is fresh or leftover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function and the time-tracking function into a single integrated container system. The date or duration indication is combined with the container structure itself rather than being a separate external element, maintaining simplicity while providing necessary information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual date-marking mechanisms with simpler automated indication systems. Instead of requiring separate calendars or writing instruments, the container uses self-displaying mechanisms such as visual indicators or rotating rings that show storage duration directly on the container surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a food storage container comprising a body with a mechanism for denoting a time in which a food item was placed in the storage container for storage. In one embodiment, the time designation mechanism comprises a plurality of rings where each ring comprises at least one marker. Time is denoted by aligning the marker with a label located proximate to said ring.