Pop-Sci Core77 Design Challenge S p e e d - 1/20/03

Description of Design

As the pace of everyday life quickens the need for nourishing food to power our bodies and minds becomes a concern for people on the go. Gomeals provide an easy solution to speed eating and preparation without the need of a stove or even microwave. Much like military MRE’s that provide quick sustenance to our troops around the world, Go meals use a simple chemical heating method to bring water to high temperatures allowing food to be served hot and cooked. Inside the plastic molded food tray resides aluminum laminate lining to capture heat. Also, a thin pad suspended from the bottom. This pad contains a Magnesium iron and Sodium mixture. Once the middle perforated trough is torn and the channels are exposed, water can be poured inside mixing with the chemical pad. Agitation of the package provides coverage of the pad. Heat is dispersed throughout the void in the tray. This powerful oxidation reaction speeds up cooking and waiting time. Each of the large dishes is accompanied by a smaller side dish or condiment. The inner channel, now with slots exposed at the bottom from the tearing of the strip, acts as a convenient place for a plastic tray to cook or warm sauce or other ingredients. Gomeals uses chemical advances that allow for safe transportation and non-harmful chemical byproducts. Since the laminate is aluminum, all Gomeal are recyclable and have a shelf life of many years in certain conditions.