Collapsible Insulating Liner with Sectioned Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulated packaging solutions for shipping boxes face challenges such as large storage requirements, complex assembly processes, and lack of visibility for proper orientation, leading to inefficient packing and potential misalignment of insulation panels.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and compressible insulating container liner comprising sectioned insulating panel pieces with thermoplastic shells and a flexible outer bag, allowing for easy assembly and ensuring proper orientation through visible panels, with the ability to return to original form for efficient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid molded coolers are used, then ease of use is improved, but storage space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible insulation material enclosed in a bag instead of rigid molded coolers. The flexible material can be compressed and folded for storage, dramatically reducing storage space while maintaining insulation performance during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system that can be compressed for storage and expanded for use. The flexible material adapts its form based on storage or operational state, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and storage requirements.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple piece foldable pad type box liners are used, then storage space is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is designed as a single integrated unit with pre-formed panels and seams rather than multiple separate pieces. This segmentation into functional zones (bottom panel, side panels, top lid) within a unified structure simplifies assembly while maintaining compressibility for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels and seams are pre-formed and positioned during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly. The liner arrives ready-to-use with all structural elements pre-configured, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining storage efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If bag type one-piece liners with encased padding are used, then storage space is reduced and ease of use is improved, but orientation visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded panels and orientation indicators printed on the flexible material to provide visual guidance for proper installation orientation. Different colors or markings on different panels help users quickly identify correct positioning without needing to see the internal padding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators and orientation markings serve as an intermediary communication layer between the encased padding structure and the user. These markings translate the hidden internal geometry into visible guidance, solving the orientation visibility problem while maintaining the benefits of encased padding.
4Ease of manufacture
If encased and unattached padding is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but assembly precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the padding material with the enclosing bag through attachment at seams and panels, creating a unified structure. This merging ensures that the insulation layers remain properly aligned and positioned during assembly and use, improving panel alignment precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding is pre-attached to the bag structure during manufacturing with proper alignment and positioning. This preliminary action ensures that when the liner is assembled, the panels and seams are already correctly positioned, eliminating alignment issues without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 a compact, easy-to-assemble insulated packaging system that ensures proper alignment and optimal packing efficiency, reducing storage space and assembly time while maintaining high insulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoplastic shell enclosing the insulating material
Implementation Method 2
a flexible outer bag housing the first and second sectioned insulating panel pieces wherein the bag is attached to the first and second sectioned insulating panel pieces
Implementation Method 3
sectioned insulating panel pieces comprising an insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating container liner comprising a first sectioned insulating panel piece comprising an insulating material and a thermoplastic shell enclosing the insulating material, wherein the first sectioned insulating paneling piece forms the bottom, a side and top of the insulating container liner; a second sectioned insulating panel piece comprising an insulating material, and a thermoplastic shell enclosing the insulating material, wherein the second sectioned insulating paneling piece forms the remaining three sides of the insulating container liner; and a flexible outer bag housing the first and second sectioned insulating panel pieces wherein the bag is attached to the first and second sectioned insulating panel pieces.