Storage Container Assembly Set with Optional Thermal Control for Food Products in Multiple Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food storage containers fail to provide easy-to-use, space-efficient designs that cater to various environmental conditions and user preferences, particularly in extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage container assembly set that includes easily operable components, allowing for multiple configurations and optional thermal control through cooling inserts, to maintain food freshness across different environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If food storage containers are designed for simple and easy-to-use functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide thermal control and adapt to various environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into separate functional components: a base container for food storage and removable thermal control elements (ice packs or heating elements) that can be added or removed based on environmental conditions. This segmentation allows the simple container design to gain advanced thermal control capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container system is designed to perform multiple functions: basic food storage, refrigeration, and heating. The universal base container can accommodate different thermal control elements, making it adaptable to various environmental conditions without requiring separate specialized containers for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage container designs incorporate advanced materials and complex functionality, then thermal control and environmental adaptability are improved, but ease of operation and spatial efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Complex thermal control functions are separated into removable elements that can be independently managed. Users only need to handle simple container components for basic storage, while advanced thermal control is achieved by adding pre-prepared thermal elements, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes replaceable thermal control elements that can be discarded or replaced when depleted, rather than requiring complex reusable thermal management systems. This approach provides advanced environmental adaptability through simple, easily replaceable components.
3Volume of moving object
If storage containers are designed to optimize spatial usage in limited spaces, then volume efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide thermal control and accommodate optional components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal control elements are designed to nest within or attach to the container structure when not in use. Ice packs can be stored in compartments within the container walls or attached to the lid, allowing the compact container design to accommodate thermal control components without significantly increasing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure incorporates multi-functional elements that serve both storage and thermal control functions. For example, container walls may include integrated insulation layers that provide thermal protection, while also serving as structural components, thereby maintaining spatial efficiency while providing thermal control capability.
4Reliability
If storage containers provide optional thermal control components, then temperature control and food safety are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is segmented into independent, pre-assembled elements (ice packs or heating elements) that can be independently managed. This reduces system complexity by allowing thermal control to be added or removed without affecting the basic container structure or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control elements are designed to be self-contained and self-regulating, requiring minimal user intervention. Users simply add the thermal element to the container and it automatically provides temperature control, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms or monitoring systems.
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 assembly set provides longer and safer storage of food products by maintaining desired temperatures, adapting to various environmental conditions, and optimizing spatial usage, thus addressing the limitations of existing storage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly kit has the ability to further control and maintain the desired temperature of food products or ingredients if needed by the consumer or end user
Implementation Method 2
optional thermal control through cooling inserts, to maintain food freshness across different environments
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container assembly set is disclosed for use with the safe storage and containment of food items in different environments. The storage container assembly set may include a plurality of storage containers that can hold the food items. The plurality of storage containers may have a storage container base and a storage container lid with optional components that may also be used with the assembled storage containers. In the assembled configuration, the storage container assembly set may include a tray to hold the plurality of storage containers. The tray may also first hold a plurality of cooling inserts that can contact the plurality of storage containers to keep the plurality of storage containers cool in higher temperature environments to help maintain the stability and freshness of the food items contained within the plurality of storage containers.