Biodegradable Double-Walled Cooler With Removable Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable coolers made from polystyrene foam are non-biodegradable and cause environmental harm, leading to regulations banning their sale in many areas.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled, slip fit cooler constructed from disposable, biodegradable, and/or recyclable materials such as pulp-based materials, paper, sugar cane, hemp, or bamboo, featuring a removable inner liner and a lid that can be made from similar eco-friendly materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polystyrene foam is used to manufacture disposable coolers, then the coolers are durable and functional, but they are non-biodegradable and cause environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional polystyrene foam to biodegradable materials such as molded fiber, bagasse, or other plant-based materials. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity and cooling functionality of the cooler while eliminating the environmental persistence problem, allowing the cooler to decompose naturally after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with an outer shell made of biodegradable material and an inner liner that can be removed. This composite approach allows the outer shell to provide structural durability while the inner liner can be optimized for water resistance and ease of cleaning, resolving the contradiction between durability and environmental friendliness.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used to construct the cooler, then environmental impact is reduced, but the cooler may have reduced durability and water resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooler into two separate components: an outer shell and a removable inner liner. The outer shell is made of biodegradable material for environmental friendliness, while the inner liner is made of water-resistant material to protect contents from moisture. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties independently, resolving the contradiction between biodegradability and water resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner liner acts as an intermediary between the biodegradable outer shell and the contents of the cooler. It provides the necessary water resistance and durability protection, while the outer shell maintains environmental friendliness. The liner can be removed for washing or replacement, allowing the biodegradable shell to remain intact for its full service life.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A double-walled, slip fit disposable cooler can include: (1) a body having an inner liner disposed within an outer shell wherein the inner liner is removable from the outer shell, each of the inner liner and the outer shell include a base and a plurality of support walls coupled to the base, the plurality of support walls and the base defining an interior cavity, and the plurality of support walls extending upwardly from the base to form an opening at an upper terminus of the respective inner liner and outer shell; and (2) a lid configured to reversibly couple with the body, the lid shaped to cover the opening of the inner liner. The inner liner, outer shell, and the lid can be made entirely of a compostable, recyclable, and/or biodegradable material. An air gap may be formed between the inner liner and the outer shell is certain embodiments.