Expandable Insulating Container Coating for Heat Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermally insulated containers fail to effectively maintain temperature and provide adequate insulation for hot or cold contents, often leading to heat transfer and discomfort during handling.
Innovation Solution
A thermally expandable material is applied to the inner or outer surface of a container or die cut blank, which expands in response to temperature changes, creating an air gap for improved insulation and reducing heat transfer, while also enhancing rigidity and reducing material thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional thermally insulated containers are used, then the container structure is simple, but the insulation effectiveness is insufficient and heat transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic insulation approach where the expandable material transitions from a compressed state during shipping to an expanded state during use. This dynamic transformation allows the container to achieve superior insulation effectiveness only when needed, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective insulation by introducing a state-changing material rather than a permanently complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the insulation material by using a substance that alters its volume and density in response to temperature or pressure changes. This parameter change enables the material to provide enhanced thermal insulation when activated, effectively reducing heat loss without requiring a permanently complex container structure.
2Loss of energy
If thicker insulation material is used to improve insulation, then thermal insulation improves, but material cost and container weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a material that changes its density and volume parameters in response to environmental conditions. The expandable material provides thick insulation when activated (reducing heat loss) but occupies minimal space and weight during shipping, effectively decoupling the relationship between insulation thickness and container weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed expandable material is nested within the container structure in a space-efficient manner, allowing the container to maintain a compact form factor while containing the potential for expanded insulation. This nesting approach enables superior insulation performance without proportionally increasing container weight or shipping volume.
3Loss of energy
If thermally expandable material is applied to the container, then insulation effectiveness improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insulation function with the container structure by applying the expandable material directly to the container surface or integrating it into the wall structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate insulation components and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving superior heat transfer reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable material provides self-activating insulation by responding automatically to temperature changes or pressure release. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex control systems, sensors, or manual activation mechanisms, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable insulation performance.
4Strength
If the container uses minimal material thickness, then manufacturing is simpler, but structural integrity and insulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic structure where the container walls transition from a thin compressed state to a thicker expanded state. This dynamic thickening provides enhanced structural integrity and insulation when needed, resolving the contradiction between simple material layers and strength requirements by introducing a state-changing structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining the base container material with the expandable insulation material. This composite structure provides both structural integrity and thermal insulation functions within an integrated system, eliminating the need for multiple separate material layers while maintaining strength and reducing overall complexity.
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 solution effectively maintains the temperature of contents by minimizing heat loss, providing better insulation, and enhancing the structural integrity of the container, making it safer to handle without causing burns.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally expandable material may be applied to an inner or outer surface of a container or die cut blank. The material may be expanded before reaching an end user, such as when the container and/or die cut blank are manufactured, and/or the material may be expanded only on end use and only in response to a determined temperature.
Implementation Method 2
The material may be expanded before reaching an end user, such as when the container and/or die cut blank are manufactured, and/or the material may be expanded only on end use and only in response to a determined temperature. The material may be used to aid with insulating capabilities of the container and/or die cut blank
Data Source
AI summary
A package or container includes a side wall, the side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the side wall may be at least partially coated by a layer of a thermally expandable material. The material may be adapted to be expanded to provide thermal insulation.