Portable Cooler Insert Layout for Extended Cold Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coolers are inefficient in maintaining a low temperature for extended periods, typically failing to keep the storage compartment below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for more than one hour, especially when exposed to higher temperatures, due to the lack of a thermally conductive path between the cooling source and the storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
A portable cooler device comprising an exterior shell, an insulated container with a cooling insert made from polymer gel or gel packs, a liner that defines a cooling chamber, and a cover with a carrying handle, which provides effective thermal insulation and heat transfer to maintain temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for up to eight hours in 85 degrees Fahrenheit conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a typical cooler uses a single piece expanded polystyrene container with separated cooling source and storage compartment, then the structure is simple, but the cooling duration is short (less than one hour) and temperature maintenance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling source and storage compartment are merged into a single integrated unit. The cooling insert is placed directly inside the insulated container, creating a thermally conductive path between the cooling source and storage space, eliminating the need for separate arranged components and extending cooling duration to up to eight hours
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling insert is nested within the insulated container, with the cooling source positioned inside the storage compartment. This nested arrangement allows direct thermal contact while maintaining the insulated structure, solving the problem of separated components not providing effective cooling
2Temperature
If traditional coolers use separated cooling source and storage compartment arranged in specific manner, then manufacturing is easy, but thermally conductive path is insufficient and temperature maintenance below 60°F fails after one hour
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling insert is designed with specific local properties - made from gel or gel packs with high thermal conductivity and heat retention capacity. This localized thermal enhancement at the cooling source position enables effective heat transfer to the storage compartment while maintaining simple overall manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling insert is pre-frozen before insertion into the insulated container. This preliminary cooling action ensures the cooling source is at optimal temperature when placed in the container, enabling immediate and effective cooling of contents without requiring complex pre-arrangement of 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 portable cooler effectively keeps contents cool and fresh for extended periods by utilizing a thermally conductive cooling insert and a removable liner for efficient heat transfer, outperforming traditional coolers by maintaining temperatures for up to eight hours without the mess of melting ice.
Implementation Method 1
there is no thermally conductive path between a cooling source and the storage compartment, providing little to no benefit
Implementation Method 2
an insulated container having at least one hole and a top outer edge, wherein the insulated container is surrounded by the exterior shell
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooler device. The portable cooler device may include an exterior shell, an insulated container surrounded by the exterior shell and at least one cooling insert held by the insulated container. A liner that may have a cooling chamber may be placed within the interior housing of the at least one cooling insert. A cover may be included so that the contents of the cooling chamber may stay cool. A carrying handle may hold the cover in place and allow for transport.