Multipack Beverage Insulation via Nested Airspace and Water-Resistant Layer

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beverage containers fail to maintain chilled beverages at a low temperature for an extended period, especially in humid conditions, due to heat transfer and condensation issues, and existing insulation solutions require the containers to be removed from their original packaging, compromising functionality.

Innovation Solution

A multipack beverage container insulation system featuring an inner container with a water-resistant layer, an outer container with a cavity and lateral spacers creating an airspace, and a handle access system that allows the inner container to be transported while maintaining the original packaging's functionality, utilizing a combination of reflective and insulating materials to reduce condensation and enhance thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional beverage containers are used without insulation, then the containers maintain simplicity and ease of use, but they fail to maintain chilled temperatures and suffer from condensation issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperature maintenanceVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested container structure where an inner beverage container is placed inside an outer insulating container. The inner container holds the beverage while the outer container provides thermal insulation and condensation protection. This nested arrangement allows both containers to function together without requiring complex integration, maintaining simplicity while achieving temperature maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the inner beverage-holding container, the insulating material layer, and the outer protective container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the inner container for beverage access and the outer container for insulation - while working together to solve the temperature maintenance problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If insulation material is added to prevent heat transfer, then thermal insulation improves, but condensation may form on the container surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat loss reductionVSAvoidcondensation formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer - the insulating material - positioned between the cold beverage container and the warmer external environment. This intermediary layer reduces heat transfer to the container surface, thereby preventing the surface temperature from dropping below the dew point and eliminating condensation formation. The insulating material acts as a thermal mediator that protects the container from both heat loss and moisture accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If beverage containers are removed from original packaging for insulation, then temperature maintenance improves, but functionality and convenience are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperature maintenanceVSAvoidcontainer functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the beverage container and insulating container into a single integrated unit. The inner beverage container is designed to fit within the outer insulating container, creating a combined system that maintains beverage temperature while preserving all original container functions. Users can access the beverage through the inner container without removing it from the insulating outer container, maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer insulating container is designed to be universal and adaptable, accommodating standard beverage containers while providing multiple functions: thermal insulation, condensation protection, and portable handling. The combined system allows the beverage container to serve its original purpose while simultaneously providing temperature maintenance, eliminating the need to separate the beverage from its packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Temperature

If multiple beverage containers are insulated individually, then each container maintains temperature, but the system becomes complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperature maintenanceVSAvoidinsulation system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested container structure where an inner beverage container is placed inside an outer insulating container. The inner container holds the beverage while the outer container provides thermal insulation and condensation protection. This nested arrangement allows both containers to function together without requiring complex integration, maintaining simplicity while achieving temperature maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the inner beverage-holding container, the insulating material layer, and the outer protective container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the inner container for beverage access and the outer container for insulation - while working together to solve the temperature maintenance problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system effectively maintains the temperature of beverages by reducing condensation and heat transfer, allowing the containers to remain in their original packaging, thus enhancing thermal insulation and usability during outdoor activities.

Implementation Method 1

an airspace defined between an inner container side panel and an external container side panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a water resistant layer included in the inner container disposed on the external side of the inner container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation prevention: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS10807787B2Multipack beverage container insulation system

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 KANGA LLC

AI summary

An insulation system for beverage containers comprising: an inner container surrounding a plurality of cylindrical beverage containers contained in an inner container; a handle included in an inner container top panel; an outer container having a cavity defined in the outer container for receiving the inner container; a pair of lateral spacers disposed lengthwise along corresponding inner upper corners of the out container; an airspace defined between an inner container side panel and an external container side panel having a polygon cross-section; and, a handle access opening centrally defined in an outer container top panel allowing access to the handle of the inner container so that the beverage containers, inner container and out container can be transported using the handle wherein the width of the handle access opening is about one third the length of the outer panel top opening.