Insulated Container Closure Reinforcement for Crush Protection and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Soft-sided insulated containers lack adequate protection for items against crushing and do not provide a tight seal, leading to issues with maintaining temperature and preventing spills, especially when carrying perishable items like sandwiches or beverages.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rigid insert and stiffened panels with a plug closure system that includes a layer of thermal insulation, a batten for reinforcement, and a zipperless closure mechanism for improved structural integrity and seal effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft-sided insulated containers are used, then convenience and portability are improved, but structural protection against crushing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two distinct structural components: a soft-sided outer container providing insulation and portability, and a separate rigid insert providing structural protection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid insert is nested within the soft-sided outer container, with the insert fitting inside the cavity of the outer container. This nested arrangement allows the rigid protective structure to be housed within the flexible insulated container, combining both advantages.
2Strength
If rigid inserts are used to provide structural protection, then protection against crushing is improved, but thermal insulation effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid insert is specifically positioned at the periphery of the container where structural protection is most needed, while the soft-sided outer container with its insulating material maintains thermal insulation throughout the remaining volume. Each material is applied where it provides the greatest benefit.
3Ease of operation
If traditional zipper closures are used, then ease of access is improved, but seal effectiveness and spill prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper mechanism is completely removed from the closure system. Instead, a simple plug closure is used that can be inserted and removed without zipping actions, eliminating the mechanical complexity while improving seal reliability through direct engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system uses a composite structure combining the rigid insert with a plug closure made of material that provides both structural support and sealing capability, eliminating the need for separate zipper and seal components.
4Ease of operation
If simple plug closures are used, then ease of operation is improved, but structural reinforcement at the periphery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure plug and the peripheral reinforcement are merged into a single integrated rigid insert structure. The rigid insert serves dual functions: reinforcing the container periphery against crushing and providing the mounting structure for the plug closure, eliminating the need for separate components.
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 enhances the protection of items within the container, maintains temperature better, and provides a tighter seal to prevent spills, making it suitable for carrying perishable items without the need for zippers.
Implementation Method 1
The plug includes a layer of thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
the batten is located to reinforce the periphery
Data Source
AI summary
A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.