Convertible Beverage Container With Integrated Cooler Compartment

Solution Overview

Problem

Current beverage packaging for canned beverages, such as cardboard boxes and plastic rings, either lack versatility in cooling options or are not environmentally friendly, and often require separate cooling devices, limiting their ability to efficiently keep beverages cool and are not designed for wet environments.

Innovation Solution

A convertible beverage container package with an integrated cooler compartment made from flexible, recyclable, and biodegradable plastic that can be converted from a compact shape for storage and transport to a portable cooler configuration, allowing ice to surround the cans on multiple sides, providing a thermal barrier and leak-proof seals for water and ice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If cardboard box packaging is used to hold multiple cans, then the number of cans packaged is increased and branding surfaces are provided, but the package cannot be stored in wet environments without compromising integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cans packagedVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a dry storage box for transporting multiple cans, and simultaneously as a wet environment cooler when ice is added. The flexible plastic material and sealed construction enable it to function in both dry and wet conditions, eliminating the need for separate packaging types for different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The package utilizes flexible plastic material that combines the benefits of being waterproof (unlike cardboard) while maintaining the capability to hold multiple cans. The material properties allow it to be submerged in water or ice without degrading, providing environmental versatility while preserving multi-can packaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If plastic ring packaging is used to group cans, then the package can be submerged in wet environments for cooling, but the number of cans that can be grouped is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of cans packaged

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a dry storage box for transporting multiple cans, and simultaneously as a wet environment cooler when ice is added. The flexible plastic material and sealed construction enable it to function in both dry and wet conditions, eliminating the need for separate packaging types for different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If separate cooling devices are used for each packaging type, then cooling functionality is provided, but device complexity and portability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage coolingVSAvoidcooling system integration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure integrates the cooling function directly into the container by incorporating an ice compartment and directional channels within the same flexible plastic structure. This merges the storage and cooling functions into a single unified device, eliminating the need for separate cooling apparatus and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a dry storage box for transporting multiple cans, and simultaneously as a wet environment cooler when ice is added. The flexible plastic material and sealed construction enable it to function in both dry and wet conditions, eliminating the need for separate packaging types for different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If cardboard box packaging is used, then branding and graphics surfaces are provided, but environmental friendliness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebranding surface areaVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The package utilizes flexible plastic material that can be printed with branding and graphics while providing waterproof protection. This thin film approach replaces traditional cardboard packaging, offering sufficient surface area for marketing purposes while being more environmentally friendly through recyclability and biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables efficient cooling of canned beverages in various environments, supports multiple can quantities, and offers a reusable, eco-friendly packaging option that maintains temperature while being portable and adaptable for different orientations, enhancing storage and transport efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

providing a thermal barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

allowing ice to surround the cans on multiple sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

receive and direct inserted ice to at least two sides of the plurality of canned beverages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11584582B2Convertible beverage container package having an integrated cooler compartment

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 ADOLPH COORS

AI summary

A convertible beverage container package having an integrated cooler compartment is provided that is sized to contain a number of cans in a box shape during transit, storage, and sale and which can be converted to a portable cooler configured to receive ice for cooling the cans contained therein. The shape of the convertible beverage container package allows a compact package for storage and transport, which can be selectively expanded to receive ice. In some cases, the received ice may surround two or more sides of the beverage cans. In one case, the shape of the convertible beverage container package may direct ice inside the package to contact the canned beverages on at least three sides.