Expandable Cooling Sleeve for Consistent Container Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container insulation technologies fail to effectively maintain a consistent cooled or warmed condition for containers over time, especially when exposed to temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A container insulating device with a perimeter wall and water-permeable, flexible cells filled with absorbent materials that expand when hydrated, allowing the device to be frozen or heated to maintain the temperature of containers by conforming to their shape and providing secure fit through indentations or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing container insulation technologies are used, then containers can be insulated, but they fail to effectively maintain a consistent cooled or warmed condition for containers over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the insulating material by using phase-change materials (ice or gel) that undergo phase transitions. These materials are placed within expandable cells that can be hydrated to expand and conform to container shapes, ensuring prolonged temperature maintenance through the phase change process which absorbs or releases heat at constant temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (freezing and melting) or gel materials to maintain temperature. The phase-change materials are enclosed in expandable cells that, when hydrated, expand to conform to container surfaces. During phase transition, these materials absorb or release heat while maintaining a constant temperature, thereby extending the duration of temperature maintenance for the container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid insulating materials are used, then insulation is provided, but the device cannot adapt to various container shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, expandable cells made of flexible materials that can change their shape and volume. These cells are initially collapsed or compact and expand when hydrated, allowing them to conform to different container shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity through the flexibility and elasticity of the cell materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible shell structures for the insulating cells that can deform and adapt to various container geometries. These thin-walled flexible containers enclose the phase-change materials and can be hydrated to expand, providing both adaptability to different shapes and sufficient structural integrity to maintain the insulating material in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expandable cells with absorbent material are used, then the device conforms to container shape, but the cells require hydration time before use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-freezing the phase-change material (water or gel) in the expandable cells before use. The cells are designed to be quickly hydrated with cold water or placed in ice, and the pre-frozen material ensures that the cooling effect begins almost immediately upon hydration, minimizing the effective wait time before the insulator becomes functional.
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 device effectively retains containers in a cooled or warmed state by using expandable absorbent materials within a flexible, insulating perimeter wall, ensuring temperature consistency and secure attachment, while being adaptable to various container shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the cells is comprised of a water permeable and flexible material. The cells each have an absorbent material therein that expands when hydrated such that the absorbent material fills and expands the cells.
Implementation Method 2
The cells are hydrated and frozen such that the cells are abuttable against a container to cool the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A container insulating and cooling system includes a perimeter wall having an upper edge and a lower edge. The perimeter wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The upper edge defines an opening extending into the perimeter wall. A plurality of cells is attached to the inner surface of the perimeter wall. Each of the cells is comprised of a water permeable and flexible material. The cells each have an absorbent material therein that expands when hydrated such that the absorbent material fills and expands the cells. The cells are hydrated and frozen such that the cells are abuttable against a container to cool the container.