Storage container with internal release mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage containers for food require separate tools to efficiently remove contents, which are often inefficient in dislodging all food from the container.

Innovation Solution

A storage container with an internal release mechanism featuring a bottom member and opposing side members that conform to the container's contours, allowing for a sweeping motion to dislodge food from the interior surface, optionally including a lip for scraping, and can be fastened to the bottom for secure rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a separate tool is used to remove food from the container, then the food can be removed, but the removal process is inefficient and cannot cleanly dislodge all food from the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood removal efficiencyVSAvoidconvenience of food removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism integrates the food removal function directly into the container by combining the bottom member and side members that conform to the container contours, eliminating the need for separate external tools and enabling efficient sweeping motion to dislodge food

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container provides its own food removal mechanism through the integrated release mechanism with bottom and side members that can be rotated to sweep and dislodge food, making the container self-sufficient for both storage and retrieval operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the container is sealed to preserve food, then food safety is improved, but food becomes bonded to the container and difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood preservationVSAvoidfood removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is divided into a bottom member and side members that can independently conform to container contours and sweep across different surfaces, enabling comprehensive food dislodging from all interior surfaces including corners and edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanism utilizes rotational motion to dynamically sweep the bottom and side members across the container interior surfaces, creating a sweeping action that dislodges bonded food through dynamic movement rather than static force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11772847B2Storage container with internal release mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 MATTHEWS DARBY JO

AI summary

The present invention includes a kit that includes a container with a removable lid that is operable to create a seal around the container, and an internal release mechanism that is operable to sever the bond between the food and the surrounding container so that food items can be easily removed from the container. The release mechanism comprises a bottom member and two opposing side members extending therefrom that are configured to conform to the contours of the container and is operable to dislodge food from the interior surface of the container in a sweeping fashion by rotating the release mechanism within the container. The release mechanism may be fastened to the bottom of the container and optionally may include a lip to aid in scraping food from the container.