Container Inner Liner Venting for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation methods for containers holding hot liquids are inefficient in maintaining effective insulation due to limitations in air space creation and leakage prevention.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a heat-shrinkable inner liner with strategically placed vents in the sidewall, allowing ambient air to flow and form an air pocket between the liner and the sidewall upon separation, enhancing thermal insulation by creating a consistent air space around the circumference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shrink film is secured to the interior of the container, then thermal insulation is provided, but the insulation effectiveness deteriorates when the shrink film separates from the sidewall
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is pre-formed in the sidewall at a position that allows ambient air to flow in and form an air pocket between the shrink film and the sidewall. This preliminary air space formation prevents the shrink film from separating from the sidewall while maintaining insulation effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If air space is created for thermal insulation, then heat transfer is reduced, but leakage occurs when the container is moved or tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is strategically positioned in the sidewall at a specific location that allows air to enter and form an air pocket, while the shrink film remains secured to the interior surface. This localized air space creation provides insulation without causing leakage when the container is moved or tilted.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate portion of the inner liner is affixed to the sidewall, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to lack of air space
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is divided into an intermediate portion and end portions. The intermediate portion is peripherally affixed to the sidewall while the end portions are free to separate, creating an air pocket that provides thermal insulation while maintaining structural stability.
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 by maintaining an air pocket that effectively reduces heat transfer, minimizing leakage, and optimizing comfort for a wide temperature range of liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The shrink film is adapted to shrink when a hot liquid is placed into the container, thereby forming an insulating void between the shrink film and the wall of the container
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate portion of the inner liner is adapted to separate from the sidewall, and upon separation, ambient air flows through the vent to form an air pocket between the sidewall and the intermediate portion of the inner liner
Data Source
AI summary
A container comprising a sidewall and an inner liner. The inner liner includes an intermediate portion affixed to the sidewall about a periphery of the intermediate portion. The sidewall includes a vent disposed within the periphery of the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is adapted to separate from the sidewall such that ambient air flows through the vent to form an air pocket between the intermediate portion of the inner liner and the sidewall.