Balance is a self-heating lunch box designed for enjoying a hot meal in any situation, without the need for external power sources. This is achieved through the use of activated zeolite, a natural mineral that heats up to 90° when water is added. The project emphasizes innovative material use, functionality, and sustainability without external power sources.
Role • Product Design, Scientific Research, Design of Experiments, Prototype, Photography & Videography
Team • Eleonora Rombolà, Giulia Stevanoni, Selene Modaffari, Cesare Miozzi
Partner(s) • Politecnico di Milano
Steps of use
The user can heat the contents of the lunch box wherever they are by simply pouring water into the duct on the side of the bowl. A small measuring cup is provided to ensure the right amount of water is used, as shown in the storyboard sketches and photos of the prototype. Various experiments were conducted to test the properties of the material and determine the optimal ratios in relation to the product’s dimensions and performance.
Product architecture
The product is composed of two bowls: an internal conductor metallic one and an external insulating one. Together, they form a duct for the water, which leads to a capsule filled with zeolite inside the base. The capsule is isolated from the internal bowl for safety and can be removed for drying and cleaning the other components separately. This design promotes sustainability by eliminating the need for external power sources and substituting it with the unique properties of natural materials.
