Sushi Packaging Edge Structure for Stable Lid Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sushi packaging made of plastic or paper is unsustainable, unstable, and lacks a premium appearance, making it difficult to eat directly from and not conveying a high-quality impression.

Innovation Solution

A packaging design featuring a base element with a raised edge structure that surrounds the receiving area and a lid inserted into this structure, providing stability and inhibiting lateral movements, while allowing for easy handling and a premium look.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If deep cups are used to create stable packaging, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging stabilityVSAvoidease of eating
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from deep cup geometry to a shallow tray with raised edge structure, changing the dimensional distribution of stability features. The raised edges provide structural stability without increasing overall depth, enabling easy access to food while maintaining packaging integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging is segmented into distinct functional zones: a shallow receiving area for food access and raised edge structures for stability and lid retention. This segmentation allows the lid to be retained on the tray while keeping the food area accessible, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of eating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If paper materials are used for sustainability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoidpackaging strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the paper tray by introducing raised edge structures with specific heights and thicknesses. This transforms weak flat paper into a structurally strong container that can support lids and maintain shape, enabling sustainable paper materials to achieve adequate strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system combines paper tray material with a lid (which may be separate or integrated), creating a composite structure where the raised edges provide mechanical support. This composite approach allows paper to maintain its sustainability advantage while achieving necessary strength through structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If simple packaging structures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but appearance quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidappearance quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is segmented into a simple base area and raised edge structures, which can be manufactured using standard paper forming processes. The raised edges add aesthetic quality and functional value without requiring complex manufacturing steps, maintaining ease of production while improving appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If raised edge structures are added to provide stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging stabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the tray geometry by adding raised edges with optimized height and thickness parameters. These dimensional changes provide structural stability and lid retention functionality without introducing additional components or complex mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving enhanced stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4699946A1Package for food products
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 MESSERLE HEINER
  • EP4699946A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4699946A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4699946A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Packaging for food, in particular for sushi, comprising a base element (2) and a lid (3), wherein the base element (2) has a receiving area (4) which receiving area (4) is arranged in a floor plane (5), wherein the base element (2) has at least one edge structure (6) which surrounds the receiving area (4) at its edge, preferably completely, and is raised above the receiving area (4), and wherein the lid (3) in a closed position of the packaging (1) is inserted into the at least one edge structure (6) such that the at least one edge structure (6) substantially inhibits lateral movements of the lid (3) relative to the base element (2).