D-Shape Container Holder with MOLLE Loops for Multi-Surface Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable beverage container holders lack versatility and secure attachment methods to various objects, such as bags and coolers, and often fail to accommodate different container sizes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A container holder design featuring a D-shape cross-section with a thermoplastic polyurethane-coated outer shell, a breathable stretch fabric inner liner, and an intermediate foam layer, along with adjustable carry straps and MOLLE loops for secure attachment to other objects, allowing for easy carrying and mounting on diverse surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional container holder design is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks versatility and cannot accommodate different container sizes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different container sizesVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container holder employs a collapsible sidewall structure that can dynamically adjust its shape and volume. The sidewalls are designed to collapse inward when a container is inserted, allowing the holder to adapt to different container sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the holder to accommodate various container dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-size compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure changes its physical parameters (shape, volume, sidewall position) in response to container insertion. The sidewalls transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state, altering the holder's internal dimensions to match the container being held. This parameter change allows the same holder structure to accommodate different container sizes effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional container holder is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it lacks secure attachment methods to various objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment to various objectsVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into separate components: MOLLE loops integrated into the holder body and compatible attachment straps or webbing. This segmentation allows the holder to be attached to various objects (bags, coolers, gear) using different attachment methods while keeping the core holder structure relatively simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The MOLLE loop attachment system provides universal compatibility with various gear and bags that feature MOLLE webbing. This multi-functional attachment mechanism allows the container holder to be securely mounted on different types of equipment without requiring object-specific design modifications, enhancing versatility while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the sidewalls are made rigid for structural stability, then the holder maintains its shape, but it cannot collapse to accommodate containers effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder shape stabilityVSAvoidsidewall collapsibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewalls are designed with dynamic properties, transitioning between rigid and collapsible states. When a container is inserted, the sidewalls collapse inward to conform to the container's shape and size. Once the container is in place, the sidewalls maintain their position to provide structural stability and support, demonstrating a dynamic adaptation that balances both collapsibility and shape stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the holder is designed to collapse inward, then it can accommodate different container sizes, but it may reduce structural support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer size accommodationVSAvoidstructural support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holder structure employs local quality variations where different portions of the sidewalls have different structural properties. The sidewalls are designed to collapse in specific controlled manner while maintaining adequate support in other areas. This localized structural differentiation allows the holder to accommodate different container sizes while preserving necessary structural support where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4041023B1Holder for container
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 YETI COOLERS LLC
  • EP4041023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4041023B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4041023B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A container holder may include an inner liner, an outer shell, and an intermediate layer in between the inner liner and the outer shell. The inner liner may provide an inner wall. And the inner wall may include a cavity for receiving a container. The container holder can define a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may follow a curved profile and the second portion may follow a flat profile such that a cross-section of the container holder follows a D-shape. The second portion may have a series of openings extending through the outer shell to vent the cavity to an outside. A series of loops may cover the series of openings on the second portion and a pair of clips can be mounted to the series of loops. A bottom vent can extend through the base, the intermediate layer, and the inner liner.