Adjustable Cooler Insert With Drainage for Dry Item Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chest coolers suffer from moisture accumulation due to ice melt or condensation, which can spoil or damage items stored at the bottom, requiring substantial cleaning efforts.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable insert with drainage structures that elevates items above the bottom of the cooler, allowing ice melt and condensation to drain away from the stored items, featuring slats and connector structures for size adaptation and enhanced drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If items are stored directly on the bottom of the cooler, then storage space is maximized, but items become moistened by ice melt or condensation causing spoilage and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into a solid portion and a drainage portion with drainage channels, creating distinct functional zones that separate item storage from moisture accumulation areas
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage portion acts as an intermediary structure between the items and the bottom of the cooler, channeling moisture away from items while maintaining storage capacity
2Ease of operation
If a solid base is used to hold items, then items are supported above the bottom, but moisture cannot drain away causing accumulation and cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into solid support portions and drainage channels, allowing simultaneous item support and moisture drainage functions
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels extract moisture from the base structure, removing the harmful accumulation effect while preserving the support function
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base is made larger to fit different cooler sizes, then versatility increases, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with adjustable components that allow a single base structure to adapt to multiple cooler sizes and configurations, achieving universality without requiring multiple specialized bases
Solution Approach 2:
The base incorporates adjustable elements that can be reconfigured for different cooler dimensions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system
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
Effectively prevents items from becoming moistened by ice melt or condensation, reducing the risk of spoilage and simplifying cleaning by ensuring items remain dry and organized.
Implementation Method 1
drainage structures to allow ice melt to flow underneath the base and away from the items
Data Source
AI summary
Inserts for holding items stored in a cooler above the bottom of the cooler so that condensation or ice melt drains below the items. In one illustrative embodiment, the insert has a base portion that serves as a shelf for holding items stored in a cooler above the bottom thereof, which has a drainage structures to allow ice melt to flow underneath the base and away from the items. The base may be formed of one or more separate pieces and may be adjustable in size for use in different coolers. Adjustment features may include removably attachable extensions and base components that are slidably adjustable to form a complete base member of a desired size.