Containers and lids and methods of forming containers and lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers fail to effectively maintain the temperature of hot or cold liquids due to inadequate insulation, leading to heat transfer issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealed vacuum cavity between a first inner wall and a second outer wall, with a lid coupled using a three-shot injection molding process, featuring a handle and gasket configuration for enhanced sealing and insulation, and optionally includes a vacuum-insulated puck for reduced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a double-wall vacuumed formed construction is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate components (container body and lid) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The vacuum insulation layer is created as a distinct space between the inner and outer walls, allowing each component to be formed separately before combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed with a nested structure where the upper and lower portions are coupled together to enclose the vacuum insulation puck. The vacuum insulation puck is nested within the container body, fitting into the space between the inner and outer walls.
2Loss of energy
If a sealed vacuum cavity is created between inner and outer walls, then heat transfer is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum insulation puck is pre-formed with sealing surfaces and sealing features before assembly. The container body and lid are also pre-formed with corresponding sealing surfaces, allowing for precise mating and sealing when assembled together.
3Reliability
If a three-shot injection molding process is used for the lid, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-shot injection molding process combines three different polymer materials into a single integrated lid structure. The first shot forms the base material, the second shot adds a sealing material, and the third shot adds additional sealing or functional features, all in one continuous 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
This configuration significantly reduces heat transfer, maintaining the temperature of liquids by creating an insulated double-wall structure and ensuring effective sealing, thus enhancing the thermal performance of the container.
Implementation Method 1
a sealed vacuum cavity between a first inner wall and a second outer wall
Implementation Method 2
creating an insulated double-wall structure
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a closure, the closure having an upper portion with a handle that has a circular curvature equal to the cylindrical portion of the closure. The closure may also have a lower portion that is joined to the upper portion by an injection molded polymer element.