Insulated Cooler Lid and Plug Seal for Leak-Resistant Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolers lack effective thermal insulation and waterproofing features, particularly when transporting and storing beverages, and often fail to prevent liquid ingress.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring multiple insulation layers and a waterproof closure system, including an outer and inner base layer, insulation layers, and a moveable lid with a sealing mechanism that forms an interference fit to create a sealed interior volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple insulation layers are added to improve thermal insulation, then the thermal insulation performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested insulation layers where an inner insulation layer and an outer insulation layer are positioned concentrically around the interior volume, with the inner layer closer to the contents and the outer layer providing additional thermal barrier. This nested configuration maximizes thermal insulation effectiveness while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining multiple insulation materials with different thermal properties in layered configuration. The inner insulation layer and outer insulation layer may use different materials or densities to provide complementary thermal resistance, creating a composite insulation system that achieves superior thermal performance.
2Reliability
If a waterproof closure system with multiple layers is implemented, then the waterproofing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system employs nested waterproof layers including an inner waterproof layer and an outer waterproof layer positioned at different levels of the closure assembly. The inner layer provides primary sealing at the lid-base interface, while the outer layer provides secondary protection, creating a nested defense against liquid ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system incorporates pre-positioned waterproof barriers and sealing mechanisms that are integrated into the lid and base structures before final assembly. The waterproof layers are pre-attached to their respective components, and the sealing surfaces are pre-formed to ensure proper alignment and sealing when the closure is engaged.
3Reliability
If an interference fit sealing mechanism is used, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interference fit sealing mechanism concentrates the sealing function at specific localized regions rather than requiring uniform precision across entire surfaces. The plug and rim structures create focused contact zones where interference fit is applied, allowing manufacturing tolerances to be managed locally at these critical sealing points rather than across the entire closure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system divides the sealing function into multiple discrete elements including the rim structure, plug, inner waterproof layer, and outer waterproof layer. Each element is manufactured separately with its own optimized tolerances, and they are assembled to create the complete sealing system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with precise local tolerances rather than requiring the entire assembly to meet uniform high-precision requirements.
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 design provides enhanced thermal insulation and waterproofing, ensuring beverages remain cold and preventing liquid ingress during transport and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The moveable lid including an outer lid layer, a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and an inner lid layer
Implementation Method 2
The second insulation layer and the inner lid layer define a plug that forms an interference fit with the inner base layer to seal the interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a container having a base that includes an outer base layer, an inner base layer, and a base insulation layer, the inner base layer defining an interior volume of the container. A moveable lid is coupled to the base at a first end thereof, the moveable lid including an outer lid layer, a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and an inner lid layer covering the first and second insulation layers. A seat is formed by the inner base layer, and the first insulation layer and the inner lid layer define a rim that contacts the seat when the moveable lid is in a closed position. The second insulation layer and the inner lid layer define a plug that forms an interference fit with the inner base layer to seal the interior volume when the moveable lid is in the closed position.