Double-Walled Beverage Can With Air-Gap Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aluminum beverage containers lack insulation, causing beverages to warm quickly upon contact with the consumer's hand, and existing solutions, such as foam outer containers, are not integrated, change the size or shape of the container, or require separate devices.

Innovation Solution

A double-walled container design featuring a standard aluminum inner container surrounded by an outer container of complementary shape, with a gap between them to create an insulating air space, which can be filled with materials like polyurethane foam, and made from materials like aluminum or plastic to enhance insulation and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a foam outer container is placed over the aluminum container to provide insulation, then the beverage temperature is maintained, but the size and shape of the container are substantially changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperatureVSAvoidcontainer shape

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The outer container is designed with a nested configuration where the dome of the inner aluminum container nests within the dome of the outer container. This nesting arrangement allows the insulating outer container to conform to the inner container's shape while maintaining a compact overall form that does not substantially change the container's external dimensions when held by a consumer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer container is provided with a complementary shape that matches the inner container's geometry, with the insulating material localized in the gap between the two containers. This localized insulation approach maintains the container's overall shape while providing thermal protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If a separate foam outer container is used to insulate the beverage, then thermal insulation is provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperatureVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer container is designed to be an integrated component that permanently surrounds the inner aluminum container, eliminating the need for separate removable foam containers. The insulating structure is merged with the container design itself, providing thermal protection while simplifying the overall device by removing the need for additional separate insulating components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If the outer container is made with a larger exterior circumference to provide insulation, then thermal protection is improved, but the container size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperatureVSAvoidcontainer circumference

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The nested dome configuration allows the insulating gap to be created without substantially increasing the external circumference of the container. The outer container's dome nestles around the inner container's dome, maintaining a compact external profile while providing the necessary insulating space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating gap is localized between the two container walls rather than uniformly distributed, allowing thermal protection to be provided in the critical areas while minimizing the overall increase in container dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Maintains beverage temperature without altering the container's size or shape, providing effective insulation and consumer appeal while being cost-effective to manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

A small gap is maintained between the sidewalls of the inner container and the outer container, and this gap provides an insulating air space that helps to maintain the temperature of the beverage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

it is also contemplated that the gap may be filled with an insulating material, such as polyurethane foam, to provide enhanced insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS8667662B2Double walled beverage container and method of making same

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE CO USA LLC

AI summary

A double walled container is provided for insulating a beverage. An outer insulating shell or container is secured to the inner container that holds the beverage. A gap exists between the outer container and inner container and the air in the gap acts as an insulating barrier. The inner container is preferably a standard aluminum container. The outer container is preferably made from aluminum or a plastic polymer.