Tapered Guide Cup for Level Alignment in Food Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for dough products with additional ingredients face challenges in consistently inserting separate cups into cans due to size variations, which can be costly to address with tighter manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A cup design with tapered guide members provides level alignment and a secure friction fit within a tubular container, allowing for easy insertion and secure retention of additional ingredients during packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate cups are used to store additional ingredients in a can format, then the additional ingredients can be separated and stored with the dough product, but it is challenging to consistently insert the cups into the cans due to size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a can liner as an intermediary component between the cup and the can. The can liner has a tapered configuration that facilitates smooth insertion of the cup into the can, while the flared top portion of the liner provides a stable interface for the cup rim. This intermediary element absorbs the dimensional variations and ensures consistent insertion without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on either the cup or can components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by designing the can liner with a tapered configuration that transitions from a smaller diameter at the bottom to a larger diameter at the top. This geometric parameter variation creates a guiding effect during insertion, ensuring the cup aligns properly and inserts consistently. The flared top portion of the liner changes the interface geometry to provide stable support for the cup, compensating for size variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If tighter manufacturing tolerances are employed to ensure consistent cup insertion, then insertion consistency improves, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The can liner serves as a cost-effective intermediary that eliminates the need for tight manufacturing tolerances on the cup and can components. By introducing this single, relatively simple component with a tapered design, the system achieves consistent insertion without requiring expensive precision manufacturing across multiple parts. The liner acts as a buffer that absorbs dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the can liner introduces a parameter change that inherently provides self-aligning and self-centering during insertion. This geometric feature ensures consistent positioning and fit without requiring tight tolerances on the cup or can dimensions, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining insertion consistency.
3Reliability
If the cup is designed to fit tightly within the can, then secure retention is achieved, but insertion difficulty increases due to size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The can liner acts as a mediator that enables both tight retention and easy insertion. The tapered configuration of the liner provides a gradual guide that facilitates smooth insertion of the cup, while the flared top portion creates a secure interface with the cup rim. This intermediary structure ensures the cup is firmly retained in position while eliminating insertion resistance caused by dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the can liner introduces a parameter change that simultaneously enables easy insertion and secure retention. The increasing diameter from bottom to top creates a guiding effect that aligns and inserts the cup smoothly, while the flared top portion provides a stable, secure interface that ensures reliable retention of the cup within the can.
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
This solution enables a cost-effective and efficient method for packaging dough products with additional ingredients by ensuring proper alignment and secure retention within the container, facilitating the inclusion of condiments, icing, and other items without deformation.
Implementation Method 1
first portions of the guide members are progressively pressed against an interior of the sidewall and assure a proper, level alignment of the cup, preventing the cup from tipping during insertion
Implementation Method 2
the rim having a diameter which assures a tight fit to an inner diameter of the container. Accordingly, a secure friction fit is established for the cup within the container
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged food product includes a container having at least one dough product and a cup within the container. The cup includes at least one sidewall, a plurality of tapered guide members located at spaced circumferential positions about the sidewall, a bottom wall and an upper annular rim. The rim also defines an opening, opposite the bottom wall, leading to an interior storage cavity of the cup. During initial insertion of the cup into a container, first portions of the guide members are progressively pressed against an interior sidewall surface of the container and assure a proper, level alignment of the cup, preventing the cup from tipping during insertion. With further insertion, second portions of the guide members lead to the rim, with the rim having a diameter which assures a tight friction fit, potentially in combination with a cup seal cover, to an inner diameter of the container.