Insulating packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermally insulated containers often fail to maintain temperature effectively, leading to heat or cold transfer issues, and may lack rigidity, which can result in discomfort during use.
Innovation Solution
A container or sleeve with an insulating material applied to the inner or outer surface, which can expand in response to temperature or pressure, creating an air gap for thermal insulation and adding mechanical strength, thereby maintaining temperature and providing a comfortable grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermally insulated containers are used, then temperature maintenance is attempted, but heat or cold transfer issues occur and rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite insulating material comprising a matrix material and dispersed expandable microspheres to the inner or outer surface of the container. This composite structure provides superior thermal insulation properties compared to conventional single-material coatings, effectively reducing heat or cold transfer while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable microspheres create a porous structure within the insulating material when activated. This porous network traps air pockets that act as thermal barriers, significantly reducing thermal conductivity and improving temperature maintenance while adding mechanical strength to the container structure.
2Loss of energy
If insulating material is applied to the container surface, then thermal insulation is improved, but the container may lack rigidity and structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The composite insulating material combines a binding matrix material with expandable microspheres, creating a structure that provides both thermal insulation and mechanical strength. The matrix material binds the microspheres together to form a cohesive coating that reinforces the container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material undergoes a parameter change when the expandable microspheres are activated (through heat, pressure, or other stimuli), expanding to increase the volume fraction of insulating air pockets. This transformation enhances both thermal insulation properties and structural rigidity of the container coating.
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 reduces heat transfer, maintains temperature for longer, and provides enhanced rigidity and comfort during handling by using an expandable insulating material that activates upon temperature changes, ensuring the contents remain hot or cold.
Implementation Method 1
the insulating material may be expanded before reaching an end user, such as when the container and/or container sleeve are manufactured, and/or the insulating material may be expanded only on end use and only in response to, for example, temperature or pressure
Implementation Method 2
These containers may maintain the temperature of the liquid or food contents by reducing heat or cold transfer from the contents to the consumer's hand
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 insulating material. The material may be adapted to be expanded to provide thermal insulation.