Expandable Insulating Coating for Temperature-Stable Packaging
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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 insulation and enhancing rigidity, thereby reducing heat transfer and improving handling comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermally insulated containers are used, then temperature maintenance is attempted, but heat transfer occurs and insulation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thermally expandable material coating that changes its physical state in response to temperature changes. When exposed to heat, the coating expands to create an insulating air gap, dynamically adapting the thermal parameters of the container to maintain temperature and reduce heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally expandable material adds a dimensional change to the container structure. When the coating expands, it creates an additional spatial dimension (air gap) between the container contents and the outer surface, providing thermal insulation without increasing the container's base dimensions.
2Temperature
If thermally expandable material is applied to container surfaces, then insulation is improved and temperature maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally expandable material is self-activating in response to temperature changes. It automatically expands when exposed to heat, creating the insulating air gap without requiring external control mechanisms, power sources, or complex activation systems, thereby maintaining simplicity despite the enhanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If thermally expandable material is used for insulation, then handling comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a coating applied as a slurry or spray that can be easily deposited on container surfaces. The material is applied in a simple manner and then dried or cured, representing a straightforward manufacturing process that balances ease of application with the sophisticated thermal performance of the expandable material.
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 thermally expandable material effectively maintains the temperature of contents by minimizing heat loss and providing improved insulation, while also enhancing the structural integrity of the container, allowing for lighter materials and reduced thickness without compromising thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
creating an air gap for insulation and enhancing rigidity, thereby reducing heat transfer and improving handling comfort
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.