Container housing comprising heat transfer housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a container housing comprising a heat transfer housing (2) arranged along an outer surface of a container wall (1) and comprising a hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) comprising a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a cross-linking agent and water. Preferably, the heat transfer housing (2) further comprises an outer fibrous substrate layer (4) arranged above the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) and selected from the group consisting of: a paper product comprising a porous structure based on cellulosic fibers; weaving the fabric; a non-woven fabric; a cork substrate, or a composite or derivative thereof. The heat transfer housing (2) increases the total heat transfer coefficient mainly by means of the evaporative cooling principle. Thus, the container housing allows for rapid reduction of the temperature of the beverage or food within the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for beverages or foods, which at least includes a layer with enhanced heat transfer performance. Background Art

[0002] Temperature control is a fundamental technical characteristic in the packaging industry of different products such as beverages, foods, or pharmaceuticals. Currently, there are several technologies that allow maintaining the temperature of a product under low or medium temperature conditions according to the storage requirements for preserving the product. These technologies are based on heat-insulating materials that allow reducing the heat transfer between the product and the external environment.

[0003] Technical Problem

[0004] The patent application No. US2012190259A1 titled "Evaporative cooling material" published on July 26, 2012 by Frost Douglas R. describes a sheet material for absorbing, retaining, and releasing water. More specifically, it describes a sheet material optimized for manufacturing evaporative cooling clothing.

[0005] The patent application No. US2005218535A1 titled "Indirect evaporative cooling mechanism" published on March 31, 2005 by Maisotsenko Valeriy et al. describes an indirect evaporative cooling assembly that can also be used as a heat exchanger. The indirect evaporative cooling assembly includes: a plurality of parallel, spaced thin unstructured plates that cannot maintain their formed shape without a support when wetted, and each plate has two surfaces.

[0006] The patent application No. SG10201407256SA titled "Method of removing heat energy from an object" published on June 29, 2015 by Chin Jia Min et al. describes a method of removing heat energy from an electronic device, furniture, vehicle, structure, fabric, or building component using a hydrated hydrogel in contact with the object.

[0007] However, there is still a need to develop technical solutions that can change the temperature of a product within a short period of time, that is, by utilizing the principle of evaporative cooling at negative temperatures.

[0008] For products that can be safely stored at room temperature conditions (e.g., above 20°C) but are preferably consumed at temperatures below room temperature (e.g., 0°C to 10°C), consumers need to rapidly reduce the product temperature. This applies to non-alcoholic beverages such as water, milk, juice, or soda, alcoholic beverages such as beer, cider, or wine, and food products such as fruits or vegetables.

[0009] Therefore, there is currently a lack of a solution that can rapidly change the temperature of the product when placed in a refrigerator. In addition, the solution must adapt to the traditional materials and / or the shape of the containers used in these packages, and employ an easily scalable and low-cost production method, and use sustainable materials to ensure the recyclability of the packaging.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] The present invention solves the problems existing in the prior art by using a container housing that includes a heat transfer housing, the heat transfer housing including a layer region impregnated with a hydrogel, and wherein the layer region impregnated with the hydrogel includes a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a cross-linking agent, and water, so as to be able to rapidly reduce the temperature of the beverage or food in the container. The present invention is particularly advantageous when the heat transfer housing is wetted and placed in a refrigeration device at a temperature below 0°C. Preferably, the technology is applied to the periphery of the container with a cooling housing, and then the cooling housing is wetted with water and placed in the refrigeration device, and cooling is carried out at a temperature below 0°C using the principle of evaporative cooling.

[0012] The present invention solves the problem regarding the cooling time in the prior art because, compared with an uncovered container and a container covered with other fiber materials, the present invention can reduce the temperature more rapidly.

[0013] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogel is embedded in a fiber substrate layer that is configured to adapt to the shape of the container, and when the container is wetted, the fiber substrate layer is easily adhered to the surface of the container. In addition, the heat transfer housing uses a cellulose-based material that is conventionally used in the packaging industry. These facts solve several problems in the prior art related to user familiarity and the scalability of the solution. In the most preferred embodiment, the container housing further includes an internal substrate layer disposed below the layer region impregnated with the hydrogel, and wherein the internal substrate layer helps to increase the overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0014] Advantages of the invention

[0015] The heat transfer housing (2) mainly contributes to improving the overall heat transfer coefficient through the principle of evaporative cooling. Thus, the container housing allows for a rapid reduction in the temperature of the beverage or food inside the container at different initial temperatures of the beverage or food. For example, when the initial temperature of the beverage or food is in the range of about 40°C to 100°C, the goal is to rapidly cool it to room temperature. Another example is placing a container filled with a beverage or food in a refrigeration device at a temperature below 0°C, where rapid cooling is also required.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, due to a more efficient heat conduction process between the container and the freeze-dried air within the refrigeration device, the present invention enables a rapid reduction in the temperature of the liquid inside the bottle, with the cooling rate increased by at least twofold. This technology enables the temperature inside the bottle to reach 5°C within 15 minutes, while the control group experiment takes more than 30 minutes, and the bottle with a wet paper takes approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, having a cellulose-based hydrogel layer can utilize the water feeling on the fingers of the bottle holder, bringing a refreshing sensation. The container housing is recyclable and can be reused.

[0017] Furthermore, the hydrogel is an important component of the container housing. That is, when the hydrogel is a bio-based polymer or derived from natural materials, due to their abundance, low cost, sustainability, recyclability, and flexibility, these materials are ideal for producing the container housing. Additionally, the hydrogels used in the present invention are ideal materials for making the container housing because they are flexible and easy to place around the container. Description of the Drawings

[0018] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the embodiments according to the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and the language used to describe these embodiments. In any case, it must be understood that the scope of the present invention is never intended to be limited to the content of the drawings. Any changes or subsequent variations in the features of the invention shown herein, as well as any additional applications of the principles and embodiments of the invention shown (which would typically occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification) are considered to be within the scope of the claimed invention.

[0019] Figure 1

[0020] Figure 1 shows a side view of a first configuration of a container housing including a heat transfer housing disposed along the outer surface of a cup wall;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a side view of a second configuration of a container housing including a heat transfer housing disposed along the outer surface of a cup wall;

[0022] Figure 3 shows a side view of a first configuration of a container housing including a heat transfer housing disposed along the outer surface of a bottle wall; ​​​

[0023] Figure 4 Shows a side view of a second configuration of a container housing including a heat transfer housing disposed along an outer surface of a bottle wall;

[0024] Figure 5 Shows a side view of a third configuration of a container housing including a heat transfer housing disposed along an outer surface of a bottle wall;

[0025] Figure 6 Shows the experimental results of cooling a liquid in a refrigerator at a temperature below 0°C;

[0026] Figure 7 Shows the experimental results of cooling a hot liquid at room temperature;

[0027] Figure 8 Shows a side view of a preferred configuration of a container housing including a heat transfer housing disposed along an outer surface of a bottle wall;

[0028] Figure 9 Shows the experimental results of cooling a liquid inside a refrigerator at a temperature below 0°C;

[0029] Figure 10 Shows the experimental results of cooling a liquid at room temperature;

[0030] Figure 11 Shows the experimental results of a container housing disposed along the outer surfaces of different container materials (aluminum, glass, and paper). Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] The present invention relates to a container housing that includes a heat transfer housing (2) disposed along an outer surface of a container wall (1), wherein the heat transfer housing (2) includes a layer region (3) impregnated with a hydrogel; and wherein the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a crosslinking agent, and water.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 8 shown, the heat transfer housing (2) further includes an external fiber substrate layer (4) disposed above the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel; and wherein the external fiber substrate layer (4) is selected from the following: paper products containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure; woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; cork substrates, or their composites or derivatives.

[0033] In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 3 ​​​​​​​​As shown, the heat transfer housing (2) further includes an external fibrous substrate layer (4) disposed above the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel; and the heat transfer housing (2) further includes an internal substrate layer (5) disposed below the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel. In these preferred embodiments, the external fibrous substrate layer (4) is selected from the following: paper products comprising a cellulose fiber-based porous structure; woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; cork substrates, or their composites or derivatives. In these preferred embodiments, the internal substrate layer (5) is selected from at least one of the following: paper products comprising a cellulose fiber-based porous structure; woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; cork substrates; plastic films, such as thin polyethylene films or thin polypropylene films; aluminum films; or their composites or their composites or derivatives.

[0034] This preferred embodiment can be achieved by disposing the external fibrous substrate layer (4) above the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel through a hydrophilic adhesive. Alternatively, a mixture of a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a crosslinking agent, and water can also be embedded in the external fibrous substrate layer (4). In addition, depending on the embedding conditions, the entire fibrous substrate layer (4) can be soaked in a mixture of a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a crosslinking agent, and water. Alternatively, the soaking step can also be carried out such that the fibrous substrate layer (4) is partially soaked while keeping its outer surface dry. This alternative embodiment has the additional advantage that when the outer surface of the fibrous substrate layer (4) remains dry, this condition provides that the user can comfortably grasp the enclosed container.

[0035] In the context of the present invention, a container housing including a heat transfer housing (2) for disposing along the outer surface of a container wall (1) includes the heat transfer housing (2) for attaching to the outer surface of the container wall (1).

[0036] Those skilled in the art should fully understand that the full or partial soaking of the external fibrous substrate layer (4) depends on several variables, such as soaking time, drying time, or water consumption. Regarding the drying time, the external fibrous substrate layer (4) soaked in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel can be dried at room temperature for about two days, and this time can be shorter when the drying step is carried out in an oven, a heat dryer, or a vacuum dryer.

[0037] As Figure 1 shown, the container housing including the heat transfer housing (2) is disposed on the side outer surface of a beverage or food container and helps to increase and / or control the heat transfer rate between the contents of the container and the surrounding environment.

[0038] Without being bound by any theory, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a crosslinking agent, and water. Among them, the crosslinked hydrogel helps to increase the convective heat transfer coefficient, while the water helps to increase the total heat transfer coefficient through the principle of evaporative cooling. As otherwise illustrated, when the temperature of the contents of the container is higher than the ambient temperature, part of the water present in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel evaporates and penetrates through the crosslinked hydrogel and the outer fiber substrate layer (4), thereby promoting the cooling effect achieved through evaporative cooling. In addition, the evaporation of water in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel also helps to increase the convective heat transfer coefficient to the environment.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, the container housing including the heat transfer housing (2) is arranged on the side outer surface of a beverage or food container, and the container housing includes a layer region (3) impregnated with a hydrogel and an outer fiber substrate layer (4) arranged above the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel. The outer fiber substrate layer (4) is connected and adhered to the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, wherein the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is provided as an adhesive. Alternatively, an additional adhesive layer bonds the first surface of the outer fiber substrate layer (4) to the first surface of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

[0040] The outer fiber substrate layer (4) contributes to the mechanical stability and integrity of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, enabling it to correctly enclose the container according to the external shape of the container.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the outer fiber substrate layer (4) is a paper layer, and its basis weight is in the range of 20 g / m -2 to 140 g / m -2 range, and more preferably, its basis weight is in the range of 60 g / m -2 to 90 g / m -2 range. In other embodiments according to the present invention, the outer fiber substrate layer (4) is a microperforated paper layer, which includes a plurality of holes arranged horizontally. In these embodiments, the diameter of the holes in the microperforated paper layer is in the range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm, and the density of the microperforated paper layer is in the range of 0.50 holes / cm 2 to 300 holes / cm 2 range.

[0042] Alternatively, the outer fiber substrate layer (4) can be covered with or contain cork, cloth fabric, cotton-based cloth, cardboard, a microperforated paper layer, or a mixture thereof.

[0043] In the context of containers for beverages or food, a "container" refers to a vessel or receptacle designed to hold and store these items. It typically comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as bottles, cans, jars, boxes, or bags.

[0044] As Figure 1 shown, the container is a cup, tea cup, mug, or glass, optionally including a lid (10) that fits to the opening (9), as will be fully understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0045] Alternatively, as Figure 3 shown, the container is a bottle, optionally including a lid (10) that fits to the opening (9), which will be fully understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0046] The term "food" in the context of the present invention includes substances that are edible, for feeding or hydrating, including substances with a solid consistency, pastes, or liquids, including beverages.

[0047] Preferably, the beverage contained in the container is selected from coffee, tea, milk, chocolate milk, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the said beverage or food is contained in the corresponding container in a hot form.

[0048] Alternatively, the beverage contained in the container is selected from beer, soft drinks, soda water, water, iced tea, iced coffee, energy drinks, isotonic drinks, alcoholic beverages, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] The container wall (1) is preferably made of at least one of glass, porcelain, metal, paper, plastic, or foam. A person skilled in the art should understand that any material commonly used for producing containers for food or beverages can be used to prepare the container wall (1), such as glass, porcelain, aluminum, paper, paper lined or coated with plastic, paper lined or coated with wax, expanded polystyrene, polypropylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene.

[0050] In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the heat transfer housing (2) includes a bottom wall (7) that is disposed on the bottom wall of the container wall, for example, as Figure 2 shown for a cup, or as Figure 4 shown for a bottle.

[0051] In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the heat transfer housing (2) includes an upper wall (8) that is disposed above a superior outer portion of the bottle, as Figure 5 shown. The superior outer portion of the bottle includes at least one of a neck region or a domed region.

[0052] The heat transfer housing (2) is arranged on the lateral outer surface of a beverage or food container, wherein the device can be removable or fixed. When the device is removable, the heat transfer housing (2) is configured to be connected to the outer surface of the container wall (1) in the form of a removable sleeve. When the device is fixed, the heat transfer housing (2) is connected and adhered to the outer surface of the container wall (1) by the inherent surface tension of the water contained in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel. Alternatively, in order to enhance the connection strength between the heat transfer housing (2) and the outer surface of the container wall (1), a hydrophilic adhesive can be used to firmly connect the two surfaces together.

[0053] In other embodiments according to the present invention, the cellulose derivative hydrogel is selected from cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl propylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, bacterial cellulose, cellulose nanofibers, cellulose nanocrystals, microfibrillated cellulose, or mixtures, copolymers or complexes thereof.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains from about 0.01% to about 50.00% by mass of the cellulose derivative hydrogel relative to the total mass of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel. In the most preferred embodiment, the mass percentage of the cellulose derivative hydrogel (such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or carboxyethylcellulose) is from about 0.01% to about 10.00% relative to the total mass of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

[0055] In other preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a concentration of about 5 g / m 2 to about 500 g / m 2 of the cellulose derivative hydrogel. In the most preferred embodiment, when the container housing containing the heat transfer housing (2) is used to cool a container containing a cryogenic liquid, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a concentration of about 5 g / m 2 to about 50 g / m 2a cellulose derivative hydrogel. In a most preferred embodiment, when a container housing including a heat transfer housing (2) is used to cool a container containing a high-temperature liquid, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a concentration of about 5 g / m 2 to about 150 g / m 2 of the cellulose derivative hydrogel. The low-temperature liquid refers to a liquid with an initial temperature in the range of about 40°C to about 0°C. The high-temperature liquid refers to a liquid with an initial temperature in the range of about 100°C to about 40°C.

[0056] Several hydrogels can be selected based on the sustainable characteristics of the hydrogel in terms of recycling or compostability, namely, hydrogels containing cellulose-based biopolymers.

[0057] Preferably, the mass ratio between the water and the cellulose derivative hydrogel in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is in the range of about 0.01 to about 1000, and more preferably, the mass ratio is in the range of 1 to 100.

[0058] As described above, the hydrogel is formed by chemical or physical cross-linking of individual polymer chains. Chemical cross-linking can be achieved when the polymer binds to an ionic salt composed of an anion (monovalent, divalent or trivalent) and a cation (monovalent, divalent or trivalent) through a chemical reaction. Those skilled in the art will understand that other forms of chemical cross-linking are also possible, such as covalent cross-linking agents.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-linking agent includes at least one of an ionic cross-linking agent or a covalent cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent also helps to improve the mechanical stability and integrity of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, enabling it to correctly enclose the container according to the external shape of the container.

[0060] When the cross-linking agent is an ionic cross-linking agent, it is preferably selected from divalent cations or trivalent cations, and preferably, the cation is a zinc cation, a calcium cation, a magnesium cation, a nickel cation, a copper cation, or a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel at least includes a salt in the hydrogel matrix, where the salt includes a cation selected from monovalent cations, divalent cations or trivalent cations, and the cation is used as an ionic cross-linking agent, and preferably, the cation is a zinc cation, a calcium cation, a magnesium cation, a nickel cation or a copper cation. The most preferred salts used in the present invention are zinc or calcium, which are classified as non-toxic and harmless to environmental problems.

[0061] Preferably, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains an ionic crosslinking agent at a concentration of about 0.01 M to about 50.00 M relative to the mass of water in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

[0062] When the crosslinking agent is a covalent crosslinking agent, it is preferably selected from: epoxy resins such as epichlorohydrin; dicarboxylic acids such as citric acid or oxalic acid; dialdehydes such as glutaraldehyde, glyoxal or polyethylene glycol dialdehyde diethyl acetal; aldehydes such as formaldehyde; hemiacetals such as genipin; acrylamides such as N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide; telechelic polyvinyl alcohol; borate salts such as borax; N-hydroxysuccinimide esters; divinyl compounds such as divinyl sulfone; or mixtures thereof.

[0063] Preferably, the mass ratio of the covalent crosslinking agent to the cellulose derivative hydrogel in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is in the range of about 0.01 to about 100.00.

[0064] A copolymer can also be added to the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, such as a polysaccharide hydrocolloid. Preferably, the polysaccharide hydrocolloid is selected from alginate, sodium alginate, gellan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, pectin, modified starch, mixtures or copolymers thereof. These copolymers are additives that can improve certain mechanical properties of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, such as enhancing its elasticity or improving its moisture absorption.

[0065] Preferably, in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, the mass ratio between the polysaccharide hydrocolloid and the cellulose derivative hydrogel in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is in the range of 0.001 to 10.

[0066] Preferably, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains at least a salt selected from the following: quaternary ammonium salts, urea derivative salts, salts of the general formula M x A y or mixtures thereof; wherein M is selected from Na, Li, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Ba, Al, Fe +2 、Fe +3cations; wherein, A is an anion selected from the following: F, Cl, Br, I, hydroxide, sulfate, phosphate, carboxylate, carbonate, tosylate, nitrate, acetate, thiocyanate, formate, tetrafluoroborate, dicyanamide, tretrafluoroborate, bisulfate, methanesulfonate, tricyanamide, trifluoromethanesulfonate, bis(trifluoromethyl)hydrazine, ethyl sulfate, benzoate, tetracyanoborate, salicylate, methoxyethyl sulfate, aluminum tetracholate; wherein, x and y are independently integer values equal to or greater than 1, and the values selected are based on the valence of the combined anion A to provide the valence of the cation M. The above salts help to lower the melting point of the water contained in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel and the cellulose derivative hydrogel contained in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

[0067] Preferably, the mass ratio between the cellulose derivative hydrogel and the salt in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is in the range of 0.0001 to 10,000.

[0068] In addition, in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains at least one antifreeze additive. Preferably, the antifreeze additive is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, xylitol, polyols, fatty acids, vegetable oils, or a mixture thereof to further lower the melting point of water. Preferably, the mass concentration of the antifreeze additive in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is in the range of 1% to 5%.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is in the range of about 10 microns to about 1 millimeter. In addition, the thickness of the external fiber substrate layer (4) is in the range of about 10 microns to about 500 microns. More preferably, the ratio between the thickness of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel and the thickness of the external fiber substrate layer (4) is in the range of about 0.01 to about 100.

[0070] In other embodiments, the container housing further includes an internal substrate layer (5) disposed below the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, wherein the internal substrate layer (5) is disposed along the outer surface of the container wall (1). In this embodiment, the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel is sandwiched between the internal substrate layer (5) and the external fiber substrate layer (4).

[0071] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the internal substrate layer (5) is selected from at least one of the following: paper products containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure; woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; cork substrates; plastic films, for example, the plastic film is a thin polyethylene film or a thin polypropylene film; aluminum films; or composites thereof or derivatives thereof.

[0072] Preferably, the internal substrate layer (5) is made of a water-permeable material. In other embodiments, the internal substrate layer (5) can be used as a hydrophilic adhesive, which acts as both a label and an adhesive and can be used to bond to the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, and this embodiment is particularly suitable for bottles or cups.

[0073] More preferably, the outer fiber substrate layer (4) and the internal substrate layer (5) have hydrophilic properties. For example, when these layers include a cellulose fiber-based porous structure, considering intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, the layers act as adhesive layers and can be used to bond to the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, at least one heat transfer housing (2) encloses 20% to 90% of the area of the container wall (1). In the most preferred embodiment, at least two heat transfer housings (2) enclose 20% to 90% of the area of the container wall (1), where each heat transfer housing (2) encloses a different part of the container wall (1).

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, when the container is configured to cool the contents inside the container when the external temperature is below 0 °C, the container housing includes a heat transfer housing (2), and wherein the heat transfer housing (2) further includes an outer fiber substrate layer (4) disposed above the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, and wherein the heat transfer housing (2) further includes an internal substrate layer (5) disposed below the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel. In this embodiment, even more preferably, the internal substrate layer (5) includes: a paper product containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure, wherein the internal substrate layer (5) is configured for water absorption and is also configured for hydrating the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

[0076] A preferred method for preparing the heat transfer housing (2) according to the present invention focuses on printing or drop-on-demand methods. This enables the large-scale production of the heat transfer housing (2) and the possibility of depositing the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel on various substrates (such as the internal substrate layer (5) or the outer fiber substrate layer (4)), namely metals, alloys, glasses, polymers, composites, papers, and fabrics, while maintaining a low production cost. The drop-on-demand method is suitable for large areas.

[0077] In other embodiments of preparing the flexible pressure or strain mapping device according to the present invention, the deposition step can be performed by a film application step (such as a doctor blade), a screen printing step, a flexographic printing step, a spraying step, or an inkjet, roll-to-roll (R2R) compatible step, which will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0078] Embodiment

[0079] Exemplary formulations used in the method of preparing the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) include:

[0080] - Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose - CMC (Sigma Aldrich Mw about 250,000): solution concentration is about 0.1 wt% to about 10.0 wt% in water;

[0081] - Calcium chloride (CaCl2) - concentration in water is about 0.01 M to about 10.0 M;

[0082] - Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) - concentration in water is about 0.01 M to about 10.0 M.

[0083] As an example, the salts present in the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) are:

[0084] For 60 mL of CMC, 14.2 g of NaCl (2.5%);

[0085] CaCl2 (12 mL of 1 M solution);

[0086] ZnCl2 (12 mL of 1 M solution);

[0087] Therefore, the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) contains 1.5 g of CMC, 0.012 mol of CaCl2 (1.33 g), 0.012 mol of ZnCl2 (1.63 g), and 14.2 g of NaCl, resulting in 1.5 g of CMC and a total salt mass of 17.46 g. The mass ratio between CMC and the salts is 0.086.

[0088] In this example, in addition to using the ionic cross-linkers zinc and calcium, epichlorohydrin (ECH) is also used as a covalent cross-linker, wherein the mass ratio between CMC and ECH is about 0.02 to about 10, preferably about 0.7 to about 1.5.

[0089] When preparing the container housing for performing cooling tests below 0 °C, glycerol is added to the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3), wherein glycerol is contained in the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) at a mass concentration of 2.5%.

[0090] The container housing according to the present invention is prepared according to the following specifications:

[0091] The thickness of the layer region impregnated with the hydrogel: 10 μm to 1 mm;

[0092] 80 g m -2 The thickness of the paper layer: 50 μm to 500 μm;

[0093] The size of the paper layer: A5 paper 14.8 cm × 21 cm, with an area of 310.8 cm 2 .

[0094] Figure 6 shows the cooling experiment of a 250 mL bottle of beer placed in a refrigerator, with the internal temperature of the refrigerator set at -18°C. The graphic label "only glass" represents a bottle without any housing. The graphic label "thin paper" represents a bottle enclosed only by a single layer of cloth fabric as the outer fiber substrate layer. The graphic label "hydrogel" represents a bottle enclosed by a heat transfer housing according to the examples described above. The graphic label "office paper" represents a bottle enclosed only by a single sheet of standard office paper. Considering the main contribution of the evaporative cooling of the water contained in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel permeating into the outer fiber substrate layer (4) to the cooling effect, the increase in the overall heat transfer coefficient is very significant. Considering the harsh surrounding environment and low humidity inside the refrigerator, even if part of the water condenses again on the outer fiber substrate layer (4), the heat transfer rate will increase.

[0095] Figure 7 shows the second cooling experiment of a 250 mL container containing hot water (>80°C) at room temperature. The graphic labels "only aluminum can" and "only glass" represent containers without any housing. The graphic labels "hydrogel on aluminum can" and "hydrogel on glass bottle" represent containers enclosed by a heat transfer housing according to the examples described above. For both types of containers, namely aluminum cans or glass bottles, considering the main contribution of the evaporative cooling of the water contained in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel permeating into the outer fiber substrate layer (4) to the cooling effect, the increase in the overall heat transfer coefficient is very significant.

[0096] These unexpected results provide an option for those skilled in the art to manufacture a container housing including a heat transfer housing (2) having a heat transfer rate that can be controlled according to the technical features of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel and the outer fiber substrate layer (4), for example, controlled by variables related to the chemical composition of the hydrogel and the ratio between the thicknesses of the respective layers. Thus, as an example, a paper cup for containing hot beverages (such as coffee) can be manufactured, where the transfer rate is controllable, so that the beverage can be safely consumed and the long waiting time until the beverage reaches a suitable drinking temperature can be avoided.

[0097] Figure 9 ​​​Shows a cooling experiment on a 200 mL bottle of beer placed in a refrigerator, with the internal temperature of the refrigerator set at -2 °C and an intake vent provided at the top of the refrigerator. In this experiment, we explored the extent of the bottle enclosed by the heat transfer housing (2) and took it as the main variable. The graphic label "only bottle glass" represents the bottle without any housing. The graphic label "100% heat transfer housing" represents the bottle whose entire sidewall is enclosed by the heat transfer housing (2), which also includes a layer area (3) impregnated with hydrogel according to the example described above and an internal substrate layer (5) arranged below the impregnated hydrogel layer area (3), wherein the internal substrate layer (5) includes a paper product containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure. The graphic label "83.3% heat transfer housing" represents the bottle whose sidewall is enclosed by a single heat transfer housing (2) mentioned in this paragraph by 83.3%. The graphic label "83.3% heat transfer housing - 2 pieces" represents the bottle whose sidewall is enclosed by two pieces of the heat transfer housing (2) mentioned in this paragraph, where the first piece covers the first part of the bottle sidewall and the second piece covers the second part of the bottle sidewall. The graphic label "37% heat transfer housing - 2 pieces" represents that 37% of the bottle sidewall is enclosed by two pieces of the heat transfer housing (2) mentioned in this paragraph, where the first piece covers the first part of the bottle sidewall and the second piece covers the second part of the bottle sidewall. The unexpected result is that, compared with the result of "100% heat transfer housing", the experiment using the bottle with 83.3% of its sidewall enclosed by two pieces of the heat transfer housing (2) is better in terms of the improvement of the total heat transfer coefficient. In this example, in the embodiments where two heat transfer housings (2) enclose 83.3% or 37% of the container wall, according to the principle of evaporative cooling, the part of the container wall not covered by the heat transfer housing (2) promotes a higher evaporation rate.

[0098] Figure 10 Shows a cooling experiment on a 200 mL paper cup containing hot water at room temperature. In this experiment, we used the Figure 8 embodiment of the container housing shown. The graphic label "thin paper" represents the internal substrate layer (5) made of a paper product containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure. The external fiber substrate layer (4) is also made of a cellulose fiber-based porous structure. The graphic label "low hydration" represents the layer area (3) impregnated with hydrogel according to the example described above, where the mass of the impregnated water is three times the mass of the container housing. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment of the low-hydration impregnated hydrogel layer area (3), the mass of the impregnated water is 500 g / m 2 to 700 g / m 2 ​within the range. The graphic label "high hydration" indicates the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) according to the example described above, where the mass of the impregnated water is nine times the mass of the container housing. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment of the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) with high hydration, the mass of the impregnated water is in the range of 1000 g / m 2 to 1300 g / m 2 within the range. Therefore, the duration of the evaporative cooling effect is mainly affected by the amount of water in the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3). Other relevant variables for controlling the evaporative cooling time are the thickness of the hydrated layer (the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) and / or the high-hydration inner substrate layer (5) made of a paper product containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure) and the duration for which the layer is hydrated.

[0099] Figure 11 shows cooling experiments on 200 mL containers containing hot water at room temperature. In this experiment, we used the embodiment of the container housing shown in Figure 8 . The graphic label "thin paper" indicates the inner substrate layer (5) made of a paper product containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure. The graphic label "heat transfer housing 100%" indicates a bottle whose entire side wall is enclosed by a heat transfer housing (2), which also includes a hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3) according to the example described above and an inner substrate layer (5) arranged below the hydrogel-impregnated layer region (3), where the inner substrate layer (5) includes a paper product containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure. The container housing according to the present invention can be arranged along the outer surface of the container wall, where the container wall is made of different materials, and an enhanced evaporative cooling effect is observed for the indicated materials. In addition to the illustrated container wall materials, the technical effects provided by the container housing for container walls made of polymers, fiber materials, and metals can also be observed.

[0100] As used in this description, the expressions "about" and "approximately" refer to a numerical range of approximately 10% of the specified number.

[0101] As used in this specification, the expression "substantially" means that the actual value is within an interval of approximately 10% of the expected value, variable, or relevant limit, particularly within an interval of approximately 5% of the expected value, variable, or relevant limit, or particularly within an interval of approximately 1% of the expected value, variable, or relevant limit.

[0102] ​In addition, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrase "X uses A or B" is intended to mean any natural inclusive combination. That is, the phrase "X uses A or B" is satisfied by any of the following cases: X uses A; X uses B; or X uses both A and B.

[0103] In addition, the articles "a" and "an" used in this application and the appended claims shall generally be construed to mean "one or more", unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that they refer to the singular form.

[0104] In addition, as used herein, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an illustration or example of something and is not intended to indicate a preference.

[0105] The above subject matter is only for illustration of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. According to the present invention, the terms used to describe specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present invention. As used in this specification, definite and indefinite articles, in their singular forms, are intended to be construed as plural forms, unless the context of the specification clearly indicates the contrary. It should be understood that when the expressions "comprising" and "including" are used in this specification, the presence of the specified features, elements, components, steps and related operations is specified, but the possibility of also considering other features, elements, components, steps and operations is not excluded.

[0106] Any modification, as long as it does not change the basic features of the appended claims, shall be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0107] List of Reference Numerals

[0108] 1. Container wall;

[0109] 2. Heat transfer housing;

[0110] 3. Layer area impregnated with hydrogel;

[0111] 4. External fiber substrate layer;

[0112] 5. Internal substrate layer;

[0113] 6. Side wall of the heat transfer housing;

[0114] 7. Bottom wall of the heat transfer housing;

[0115] 8. Top wall of the heat transfer housing;

[0116] 9. Opening;

[0117] 10. Lid.

[0118] Patent Document

[0119] Patent Application No. US2012190259A1, titled "Evaporative cooling material", published by Frost Douglas R. on July 26, 2012;

[0120] Patent Application No. US2005218535A1, titled "Indirect evaporative cooling mechanism", published by Maisotsenko Valeriy et al. on March 31, 2005;

[0121] Patent Application No. SG10201407256SA, titled "Method of removing heat energy from an object", published by Chin Jia Min et al. on June 29, 2015.

Claims

1. A container housing, the container housing comprising a heat transfer housing (2) arranged along an outer surface of a container wall (1), characterized in that, The heat transfer housing (2) includes a layer region (3) impregnated with a hydrogel; and wherein the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a cellulose derivative hydrogel, a crosslinking agent, and water.

2. The container housing according to claim 1, wherein, The heat transfer housing (2) further includes an external fibrous substrate layer (4) disposed above the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel; and wherein the external fibrous substrate layer (4) is selected from the following: paper products containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure; woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; cork substrates, or their composites or derivatives.

3. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cellulose derivative hydrogel is selected from cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, bacterial cellulose, cellulose nanofibers, cellulose nanocrystals, microfibrillated cellulose, or their mixtures, copolymers or their composites.

4. The container housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The crosslinking agent includes at least one of an ionic crosslinking agent or a covalent crosslinking agent.

5. The container housing according to claim 4, wherein, The ionic crosslinking agent is selected from divalent cations or trivalent cations, wherein preferably the cation is a zinc cation, a calcium cation, a magnesium cation, a nickel cation, a copper cation, or a mixture thereof.

6. The container housing according to claim 4, wherein, The covalent crosslinking agent is selected from: epoxy resins such as epichlorohydrin; dicarboxylic acids such as citric acid or oxalic acid; dialdehydes such as glutaraldehyde, glyoxal or polyethylene glycol dialdehyde diethyl acetal; aldehydes such as formaldehyde; hemiacetals such as genipin; acrylamides such as N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide; telechelic polyvinyl alcohol; borate salts such as borax; N-hydroxysuccinimide esters; divinyl compounds such as divinyl sulfone; or mixtures thereof.

7. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel includes at least one polysaccharide hydrocolloid selected from alginate, sodium alginate, gellan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, pectin, modified starch, their mixtures or copolymers.

8. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains at least a salt selected from the following: nitrogen quaternary salts, urea derivative salts, salts of the general formula M x A y , or a mixture thereof; wherein, M is a cation selected from Na, Li, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Ba, Al, Fe +2 , Fe +3 ; and wherein A is an anion selected from the following: F, Cl, Br, I, hydroxide, sulfate, phosphate, carboxylate, carbonate, tosylate, nitrate, acetate, thiocyanate, formate, tetrafluoroborate, dicyanamide, tetrafluoroborate, bisulfate, methanesulfonate, tricyanamide, trifluoromethanesulfonate, bis(trifluoromethyl)hydrazine, ethyl sulfate, benzoate, tetracyano borate, salicylate, methoxyethyl sulfate, tetracholate aluminum; and wherein x and y are independently integer values equal to or greater than 1, and the values selected are such that the valence of the cation M is provided according to the valence of the combined anion A.

9. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel comprises at least one anti-freezing additive. Preferably, the anti-freezing additive is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, xylitol, polyols, fatty acids, vegetable oils, or a mixture thereof.

10. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains a cellulose derivative hydrogel in a mass percentage of 0.01% to 50.00% relative to the total mass of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

11. The container housing according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The mass ratio between the cellulose derivative hydrogel and the salt in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel ranges from 0.0001 to 10,000.

12. The container housing according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein, The layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel contains an ionic crosslinking agent at a concentration of 0.01 M to 50.00 M relative to the mass of water in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel.

13. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mass ratio between water and the cellulose derivative hydrogel in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel ranges from 0.01 to 1,000.

14. The container housing according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein, The mass ratio between the polysaccharide hydrocolloid and the cellulose derivative hydrogel in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel ranges from 0.001 to 10.

15. The container housing according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, The mass ratio between the covalent crosslinking agent and the cellulose derivative hydrogel in the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel ranges from 0.01 to 100.

00.

16. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickness of the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel ranges from 10 microns to 1 millimeter.

17. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickness of the outer fiber substrate layer (4) ranges from 10 microns to 500 microns.

18. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container housing further includes an inner substrate layer (5) disposed below the layer region (3) impregnated with the hydrogel, wherein the inner substrate layer (5) is selected from at least one of the following: paper products containing a cellulose fiber-based porous structure; woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; cork substrates; plastic films, for example, the plastic film is a thin polyethylene film or a thin polypropylene film; aluminum films; or their composites or their composites or their derivatives.

19. The container housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one heat transfer housing (2) encloses 20% to 90% of the area of the container wall (1).

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