Self-Heating Food Container Structure for Lower Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-heating containers for pre-cooked food inefficiently utilize heat from exothermic reactions due to direct contact between the lower vessel and the outer receptacle, leading to heat loss and increased risk of burns, as well as incomplete heating of the upper vessel.
Innovation Solution
The self-heating container design features a lower vessel with calcium oxide and a water bag housed inside an outer receptacle, where the upper vessel is fixed to minimize contact surfaces and maximize heat exposure, using recessed and projecting sectors to direct heat to the upper vessel and a spaced base configuration to reduce heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lower vessel containing exothermic reaction products is placed in direct contact with the outer receptacle, then the structural simplicity is improved, but heat loss increases and burn risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate insulating layer between the lower vessel and the outer receptacle. This intermediary material prevents direct thermal contact, reducing heat loss to the outer receptacle and minimizing burn risk while maintaining structural simplicity of the overall container design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the upper vessel is fixed to the outer receptacle and lower vessel with adhesive, then the positioning stability is improved, but the heat transfer efficiency to the upper vessel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixing mechanism by using adhesive only at specific peripheral locations rather than complete surface contact. This allows the upper vessel to be securely positioned while maintaining large exposed surfaces for efficient heat transfer from the lower vessel to the upper vessel contents.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the upper vessel fits inside the receptacle with extensive contact, then the structural stability is improved, but the heat exposure of the upper vessel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing structural support and stability at the base and perimeter of the upper vessel, while keeping the side surfaces and top surface thermally exposed. This allows the vessel to be structurally stable through localized contact points rather than extensive surface contact, maximizing heat exposure area.
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
This design optimizes heat transfer to the upper vessel, reducing heat loss and the risk of burns by minimizing contact surfaces and ensuring the upper vessel is directly exposed to the heat generated by the exothermic reaction, effectively heating the pre-cooked food.
Implementation Method 1
a lower vessel carrying calcium oxide, a water bag and a striker to break the bag and mix the water with the calcium oxide causing an exothermic reaction
Data Source
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AI summary
This container comprises: an outer receptacle containing a lower vessel carrying calcium oxide, a water bag and a striker to break the bag and mix the water with the calcium oxide causing an exothermic reaction; and an upper vessel carrying the pre-cooked food and fixed on the lower vessel. The outer receptacle has on its side surface: recessed sectors and projecting sectors forming hollow side chambers between the lower container and the side surface of the outer receptacle and, in correspondence with the upper end of the mentioned vertical sectors, a perimetral step for the linear support of a projecting rim defined in the upper opening of the lower vessel. The upper vessel comprises a perimetral step in an area close to its upper end for its support and fixing by means of an adhesive on the projecting upper rim of the lower vessel.