Compostable Plant Fiber Cooler with Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers made of molded plastic and insulating materials like EPS are not recyclable or compostable, posing disposal challenges.
Innovation Solution
A compostable or recyclable container design featuring inner and outer tubs made of plant fiber and/or starch, with a moisture barrier film, and a lid, allowing for thermal insulation and easy disposal through curbside composting or recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional molded plastic and EPS insulating materials are used, then the cooler provides effective thermal insulation and structural strength, but the cooler becomes non-recyclable and non-compostable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of plant fiber pulp (such as paper pulp or vegetable fiber pulp) combined with starch or wax to create a material that provides both thermal insulation properties and compostability. This composite approach allows the cooler to maintain insulation effectiveness while being environmentally friendly and suitable for curbside composting programs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If plant fiber and starch materials are used, then the container becomes compostable and recyclable, but the structural strength and water resistance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating the plant fiber pulp with starch or wax coatings, and applying moisture barrier films to the interior surfaces. These modifications change the physical and chemical parameters of the base material to achieve both structural integrity and water resistance while maintaining compostability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the container by coating the interior surfaces with moisture barrier films and applying starch or wax treatments to specific areas. This local quality approach ensures that water resistance and structural strength are enhanced where needed while maintaining the overall compostable nature of the container.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If plant fiber pulp is used instead of plastic, then the cooler becomes compostable, but the water resistance and moisture barrier properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces moisture barrier films as an intermediary layer between the plant fiber pulp and the contents of the cooler. These films act as a mediator that prevents moisture penetration while allowing the underlying plant fiber material to remain compostable and environmentally friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the water resistance parameters of plant fiber pulp by coating it with starch or wax, which changes the surface properties to repel moisture while maintaining the bulk material's compostability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tub for a container includes an inner tub and an outer tub, each formed of a solid compostable or recyclable sheet formed primarily of plant fiber. Both the inner tub and the outer tub include a floor, a plurality of side walls that are coupled to the floor along common edges and each coupled to two adjacent side walls along common edges, and a rim provided at a top of the side walls. The rim of the inner tub rests on and is secured to the rim of the outer tub such that the side walls of the inner tub extend downwardly into the space between the side walls outer tub, with the side walls of the outer tub surrounding and spaced apart from the side walls of the inner tub. A volume between the side walls of the inner and outer tub provides a cavity.