Sauce Container Structure for Stack Separation and Foil Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sauce containers are difficult to separate from stacks, especially by machines, and fail to meet requirements for easy resealing and application of protective foils, which are essential for industrial efficiency and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a flared side wall, outer cylindrical wall, and connecting elements that allow easy separation and stacking, along with a lid and protective foil, facilitating machine operation and ensuring stability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but separation of individual containers from the stack becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into distinct functional parts: a flared lower portion for stable stacking, a cylindrical upper portion for machine gripping, and connecting elements that create spacing. This segmentation allows the container to fulfill both stacking and easy separation requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flared lower portion extends radially outward, creating a dimensional offset between stacked containers. This radial extension in another dimension prevents contact between adjacent containers while maintaining vertical stacking, enabling both space efficiency and easy separation.
2Reliability
If the container mouth is shaped for protective foil application, then hygiene sealing is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into the mouth region for sealing and the body region for strength. The connecting elements and cylindrical upper portion provide structural reinforcement independent of the mouth shape, allowing the mouth to be optimized for foil application without compromising overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes a composite structure combining the plastic container body with a separate protective foil layer. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function: the container provides structural strength while the foil provides hygienic sealing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the side wall is flared for stable stacking, then stacking stability is improved, but contact between stacked containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is segmented into a flared lower portion for stability and a cylindrical upper portion for spacing. This segmentation allows the lower portion to provide stacking stability while the upper portion, extended by connecting elements, prevents contact between adjacent containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements extend vertically in the axial dimension, creating spacing between stacked containers. This vertical extension compensates for the radial flaring, maintaining stability while preventing harmful contact between containers.
4Ease of operation
If connecting elements are added to prevent contact between containers, then separation ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are merged with the container wall structure itself rather than being separate components. This integration achieves the spacing function while minimizing additional complexity, as the connecting elements form a unified structure with the container body.
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 container assembly enables easy separation from stacks, stable stacking, and efficient resealing, enhancing industrial efficiency and preserving contents with a protective foil.
Implementation Method 1
a protective foil adhesively bonded to the top wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A container (2) for sauce packaging extends along an axis (A1) and comprises a side wall (5), a bottom wall (6) connected to one end of the side wall (5) to define a containment compartment; a top wall (7) configured for allowing the adhesion of a protective foil to seal the container (2); and an outer cylindrical wall (8) that extends around the side wall (5) and is configured to be coupled to a lid; wherein the side wall (5) comprises a lower portion (10) flared and connected to the bottom wall (6), and an upper portion (11) connected to the outer cylindrical wall (8) through the top wall (7).