Segmented Ice Cream Packaging for Consistent Serving Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging of hard ice cream results in inconsistent serving sizes and requires significant effort to hand dip from large containers, often necessitating warmer temperatures to soften the ice cream for access.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system featuring spherically-shaped portions of hard ice cream enclosed in individually sealed compartments with concave depressions, formed by first and second sealing members that are releasable and can be sealed air-tight, allowing for consistent serving sizes and efficient storage at colder temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hand dipping ice cream from a large container is used, then access to ice cream is possible, but serving sizes are inconsistent and significant effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large container of ice cream into multiple pre-portioned spherical servings, each sealed in individual compartments. This segmentation eliminates the need for manual scooping and ensures consistent serving sizes, as each sphere represents a predetermined portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice cream is pre-formed into spherical portions with consistent sizes before packaging. The sealing members are prepared in advance to enclose these pre-portioned spheres, eliminating the need for portioning and shaping during the consumption process.
2Temperature
If ice cream is stored in a large container, then storage is efficient, but warmer temperatures are needed to soften it for access
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ice cream into individually sealed spherical portions, each sphere can be stored at cold temperatures and only the needed portion is accessed. This eliminates the need to warm the entire container, as each sphere can be handled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members enclose each spherical portion in a flexible seal that maintains the ice cream's cold temperature during storage. The releasable nature of the sealing members allows easy access without requiring temperature changes.
3Measurement precision
If individual compartments are created for each serving, then serving consistency is improved, but packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system uses multiple sealing members to create individual compartments for each spherical ice cream portion. While this creates separate compartments, the modular design of the sealing members keeps the overall structure manageable and scalable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members serve multiple functions: they create individual compartments for portion control, provide a protective seal during storage, and offer a releasable mechanism for easy access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex packaging components.
Data Source
AI summary
A package for a frozen food includes a plurality of spherically-shaped portions of hard ice cream. A first sealing member at least partially conforms to the shape of each spherical portion of the plurality of spherically-shaped portions. A second sealing member is adhered to the first sealing member. The first and second sealing members cooperatively form a plurality of storage cavities. Each storage cavity selectively encloses a corresponding spherical portion of the plurality of spherically-shaped portions, wherein each corresponding spherical portion includes a concave depression.