Cooler Accessory System with Modular Mounts and Cushion Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolers lack functionality enhancements such as connectability, accessory mounts, and improved manufacturability while maintaining aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cooler design featuring an accessory system with bottle/can holders, post holders, and a cushion assembly, along with a lock assembly and cushion retention system, enhancing usability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessory mounts and connectability features are added to improve functionality, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory system is divided into separate modular components including accessory mounts, bottle/can holders, post holders, and cushion assemblies that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for improved functionality while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory mounts are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of accessories (bottle holders, can holders, post holders) at various locations on the cooler. This multi-functionality approach allows a single mounting system to serve multiple purposes, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories and mounting systems are integrated, then the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is designed with segmented manufacturing where the base, lid, and accessory mounts can be produced as separate components. The accessory mounts are provided as separate pieces that are assembled to the cooler, allowing for simplified manufacturing of each individual component while achieving integrated functionality in the final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Accessory mounting locations and recesses are pre-formed during the molding process of the cooler base and lid. This preliminary action incorporates mounting capabilities into the base structure without requiring complex post-manufacturing assembly operations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling accessory integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessory mounts are added to surfaces, then the available surface area for other purposes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Accessory mounts and recesses are strategically positioned at specific locations on the cooler where they do not interfere with primary surfaces needed for seating or other main functions. The mounting locations are localized to areas that would otherwise be structurally redundant or less critical for the cooler's primary purpose, thus maintaining surface area availability while enabling accessory mounting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cooler structure is modified to accommodate accessories, then the aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mounts and recesses are designed to be visually unobtrusive and are positioned to maintain the overall aesthetic appearance of the cooler. The integration is localized to specific areas that do not compromise the visual integrity of the main cooler body, allowing accessory functionality to be added while preserving aesthetic quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler is provided which has various improvements. The cooler may be a passive cooler or may be actively cooled for providing desirable cooling effects. The cooler may include an accessory system, for example, with bottle or can holders or a post holder which utilizes the weight of the cooler to support a sunshade. The accessory system may be positioned in various locations of the cooler, one location being in a recess which is utilized to open the cooler lid. The smart cooler may also comprise a cushion assembly which may be placed on an upper surface of the lid and may have straps to retain the cushion on the lid. The lid may be formed to accept and retain a cushion retaining feature so that the cushion does not excessively move from the top surface of the lid.