Collapsible Insulating Liner With Beveled Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating container liners for perishable goods are often bulky, complex, and require multiple assembly steps, leading to increased transportation costs and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
Collapsible, unitary insulating container liners with beveled edges and lamination layers, made from thermally insulating materials like expanded polystyrene, which can be folded into a box-shaped structure for efficient storage and protection of goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If known liners are formed as one unitary body with complex designs, then structural integrity is improved, but the liners become bulky and difficult to fold, increasing transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple panels (front panel, back panel, two side panels) that are connected through gaps, allowing each panel to be folded independently. This segmentation enables the liner to collapse into a compact form while maintaining structural integrity through the connected panel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner transitions from a rigid, fixed structure to a dynamic, collapsible structure through the introduction of gaps between panels. These gaps allow the panels to move relative to each other, enabling the liner to be folded and collapsed for efficient storage and transportation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known liners require assembly of multiple pieces, then adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing steps increase, adding to overall cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liner components (front panel, back panel, side panels) are merged into a single unitary body structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining the flexibility and adaptability of having multiple panels, as they are all formed from one continuous piece of material.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary body design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural integrity like assembled pieces, allows collapsibility for storage, and requires no assembly steps. The single integrated structure performs the roles of multiple separate components would have played during assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If liners are designed to be collapsible, then space utilization is improved, but thermal insulation effectiveness may be reduced due to gaps between panels
Solution Approach 1:
The liner utilizes thin panel structures with gaps between them, relying on the flexibility of the panel edges to maintain contact and provide insulation. The panel edges act as flexible thermal barriers that can conform to the shape of the container while maintaining insulating properties even in the collapsed state.
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 solution provides improved thermal insulation and reduced assembly complexity, enhancing the protection and transportation efficiency of perishable goods while minimizing material usage and transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
the unitary body is formed of a thermally insulating material, such as, expanded polystyrene
Implementation Method 2
the unitary body has two opposing surfaces, at least one of which includes a layer formed of polymer film, metallic film, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible insulating container liners and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. The container liner is formed as one unitary, foldable body that includes, in one example, beveled edges that form top panel(s), bottom panel(s), and side panel(s) that facilitate folding of the body to form the resulting liner.