Double-Wall Thermal Container With Interchangeable Heating and Cooling Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable bags for breastmilk storage are poorly insulated, bulky, and lack versatility, failing to maintain safe temperatures for extended periods and not accommodating glass bottles, while existing devices are inefficient in changing temperatures and are single-purpose.
Innovation Solution
A portable thermal insulated apparatus with a double-wall container and interchangeable thermal units using phase change materials for heating and cooling, allowing secure storage of liquids and solids, including glass bottles, and capable of maintaining desired temperatures for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If existing portable bags use ice packs for cooling, then short-term cooling storage is achieved, but insulation is poor and storage duration is limited to 3-4 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer composite insulation structure comprising an outer shell, insulation layer with aerogel or vacuum technology, and inner container. This composite material approach creates superior thermal barrier properties that maintain temperatures for 24+ hours, resolving the contradiction between storage duration and temperature maintenance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) in the thermal units that absorb or release heat during phase transitions (freezing/melting). These PCMs are encapsulated in gel packs or cartridges that can be attached to the container, providing active temperature regulation that extends storage duration while maintaining reliable temperature control.
2Volume of moving object
If existing portable bags are designed for portability, then they are compact, but they are bulky and non-discreet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separable components: a compact insulated container and detachable thermal units. The container itself is compact and discreet, while thermal units can be attached only when temperature control is needed. This segmentation allows the base container to remain small and portable without adding unnecessary bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulated container is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various bottle sizes and types (glass or plastic). The detachable thermal units serve multiple purposes - cooling when frozen, and can be replaced with heating elements for warming. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated containers for different purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices use single-purpose design, then they are simple, but they cannot accommodate glass bottles or provide both cooling and warming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal container system that can hold both glass and plastic bottles, provides both cooling and warming functions through interchangeable thermal units, and accommodates different bottle sizes. The dual-ended design with lid on one end and base on the other creates a versatile platform without significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, interchangeable components rather than fixed single-purpose elements. Thermal units can be detached and replaced based on whether cooling or warming is needed. The container orientation can be adjusted by placing the lid or base at either end, providing flexible adaptation to different storage needs without redesigning the entire structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices separate cooling and warming functions, then each function is specialized, but separate devices are needed for cooling and warming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single universal container system that performs both cooling and warming functions by using interchangeable thermal units. The same container that provides excellent insulation for cooling can accommodate heating elements or warm thermal units for warming breastmilk. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling and warming devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameter of the container by replacing thermal units rather than changing the container itself. Frozen gel packs provide cooling, while heated cartridges or warm thermal units provide warming. This parameter change approach allows the same physical container to deliver opposite thermal effects without structural modification.
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 apparatus provides efficient and safe temperature control for breastmilk, allowing for both cooling and warming within the same container, enhancing portability and durability, and accommodating various storage types, including glass bottles, while being reusable and convenient.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal unit includes a refrigerant or phase change material, wherein a temperature difference between the phase change material and the contents of the container provide for the respective cooling or heating
Implementation Method 2
The container includes an inner tube and an outer forming an insulated double-wall sealed at both ends thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A portable thermal insulated apparatus for cooling or heating items stored therein. The thermal insulated apparatus includes a container having a lid that removably secures to an open first end thereof and a reservoir unit that removably secures to an open second end. The container includes an inner tube and an outer tube forming an insulated double-wall sealed at both ends in which the lid and reservoir unit can be connected thereto. The reservoir unit removably receives a thermal unit that provides cooling or heating to the contents of the container when affixed thereto. The thermal unit is separable from the reservoir unit, such that the thermal units are interchangeable as needed. In some embodiments, the thermal unit is directly securable to the lid and the second end of the container is permanently sealed.