Cooler Lid Liquid-Filled Cooling Pack Arrangement to Reduce Ice Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers require users to find and manage ice or ice packs to create a cold environment, leading to inefficiencies and liquid waste.
Innovation Solution
A cooler configuration with customizable liquid-filled cooling packs affixed to the lid, featuring bladders and flaps, and affixing elements on the cooler surfaces for secure attachment, allowing for flexible placement and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional ice or ice packs are used to create a cold environment, then cooling function is achieved, but liquid waste is generated and requires emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the cooling medium from solid ice to liquid-filled sealed containers. This allows the cooling function to be maintained while eliminating the melting and liquid waste problem, as the liquid remains contained throughout the cooling process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sealed liquid-filled containers that can be disposed of after use, replacing traditional ice that melts and creates waste. These containers provide a single-use cooling solution without generating liquid waste that needs to be emptied
2Productivity
If ice packs are arranged to rapidly cool contents, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the arrangement becomes fixed and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple independent liquid-filled containers that can be individually positioned and arranged within the cooler. This segmentation allows users to create optimized cooling arrangements for different contents while maintaining the ability to reconfigure as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic cooling arrangement where liquid-filled containers can be moved and repositioned according to different cooling needs. The containers are not fixed in place, allowing the cooling configuration to adapt to various contents and temperature requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquid containers are affixed to the cooler lid, then customizable cooling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal affixing elements that can attach to various surfaces of the cooler, allowing the same liquid containers to be positioned on the lid or other surfaces. This multi-functional attachment system simplifies the overall device by using a single type of affixing mechanism for multiple purposes
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
Provides a dynamic and efficient cooling solution that reduces waste by eliminating the need for traditional ice, with customizable placement and drainage options for enhanced cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
liquid filled cooling packs affixed to the cooler lid
Data Source
AI summary
An example device includes a portable cooler with a number of affixing elements disposed on one or more of internal surfaces of the cooler and external surfaces of the cooler, and one or more liquid containers affixed to the affixing elements in a fixed position.