Multi-Layer Silicone Food Container for Cooking and Airtight Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for containers that can seamlessly transition between cooking, serving, and storage functions without the user having to switch between different receptacles, while also ensuring food safety and eco-friendliness.

Innovation Solution

The development of a multi-layered food storage container made from FDA-grade silicone with a high-temperature polymer intermediate layer, allowing for a single container to be used for cooking, serving, and storage, featuring a lid that securely attaches to the base for airtight sealing and compatibility with various cooking methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single container is used for cooking, serving, and storage, then versatility and convenience are improved, but material safety and temperature resistance become more challenging to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidmaterial safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a multi-layer composite structure combining food-grade silicone (safe for food contact) with high-temperature polymer layers (providing thermal resistance up to 450°F/232°C). This composite approach allows the single container to safely withstand cooking temperatures while maintaining food safety, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and material safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The container is specifically designed to perform multiple functions including microwave heating, oven baking, stovetop cooking, and refrigerator storage within a single unit. The universal design eliminates the need for separate cookware and storage containers, achieving versatility while the specialized material composition ensures reliability across all these diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If multiple kitchen items are replaced by a single container, then device complexity is reduced, but the structural requirements become more demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of kitchen itemsVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The structural integrity challenge is met through the multi-layer composite construction where the high-temperature polymer layers provide rigidity and strength to withstand cooking conditions, while the outer food-grade silicone layers provide flexibility and safety. This composite structure enables a single container to replace multiple kitchen items without compromising strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional materials are used for cookware, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but harmful chemical leaching and breakage risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidchemical leaching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container uses food-grade silicone as the outer material layers, which is inherently free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates that leach from traditional plastics. The manufacturing process involves molding these silicone layers over a high-temperature polymer structure, maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity while eliminating chemical leaching risks associated with traditional materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8100285B2Food cooking, serving and storage device

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 ASEFF DANIELLE

AI summary

Containers suitable for use in food cooking, food serving and food storing are disclosed.