Self-heating package systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-heating packaging systems lack a unified, robust, and flexible solution for integrating self-heating functionality into both the lid and base of beverage containers, with inadequate alignment features and accidental activation prevention.
Innovation Solution
A unibody heater module with a twist-to-activate mechanism and alignment features is integrated into a heater housing tube, allowing for specific orientation and robust interlock, enabling self-heating functionality in either the lid or base of a container, with a user interface for controlled activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If modular heater components are used without integrated alignment features, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but alignment precision and orientation control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates alignment features directly into the heater module components, merging the alignment function with the structural components. The heater module includes protrusions that mate with recesses in the container, and the ignition system includes integrated alignment elements, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms while ensuring precise orientation during assembly.
2Reliability
If simple activation mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of preventing accidental activation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary safety features into the activation mechanism. The ignition system requires a two-step activation process: first, a safety seal must be broken by applying sufficient force, and second, the ignition element must be activated. This preliminary safety step prevents accidental activation during normal handling while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition system includes a safety mechanism that applies preliminary anti-action to prevent unintended activation. A safety seal or barrier is positioned to prevent contact between the ignition element and its activator unless a deliberate activating force is applied. This preliminary protective measure counteracts potential accidental activation forces while keeping the device structure manageable.
3Productivity
If high-speed installation features are added, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The heater module is segmented into distinct components with standardized interfaces. The module can be pre-assembled with precision alignment features in a controlled manufacturing environment, then quickly installed as a complete unit. This segmentation allows precision manufacturing to occur during assembly rather than during final installation, enabling high-speed installation without compromising alignment precision.
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 provides a flexible and safe integration of self-heating functionality into beverage containers, preventing accidental activation and ensuring reliable heating performance, while allowing for high-speed installation and consumer safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The heater elements described in the prior art efficiently store chemical energy in contained solid state chemical reactants and are simply activated by a user to promptly release thermal energy.
Implementation Method 2
The thermal energy is transmitted through the wall of an immediately adjacent container to uniformly heat the interior contents.
Data Source
AI summary
A unibody heater module is disclosed having an end cap and a base, wherein the base of the heater canister is filled with a solid-state reaction mixture. Twist-to-activate heater starting functionality is embedded directly into the unibody heater module. A reactive starting pellet is embedded into the upper surface of the compacted solid-state reaction mix. The plunger head of a firing pin passing through the center of an internal metal spacer is held a small distance away from the upper surface of the starting pellet. When the user activated CUI is rotated, the base of a cam pushes on one end of a firing pin protruding through a small hole in the end cap of the unibody heater module. The opposite end of the plunger plunges into the starter pellet so as to initiate heater activation in response to operation of the CUI by the user.