Insulating device and method for forming insulating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers lack an effective, portable, and waterproof solution for maintaining contents at desired temperatures while being easily transportable and resistant to liquid penetration.
Innovation Solution
A non-rigid insulating device with a waterproof closure, comprising an outer shell, an inner liner, and a free-floating insulating layer, designed to maintain temperature and prevent liquid ingress or egress, featuring a zipper assembly that is watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional coolers are made rigid for durability and insulation, then temperature maintenance is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible materials throughout the cooler construction, including a flexible outer shell, flexible insulation layer, and flexible inner liner. This flexible shell configuration maintains temperature insulation effectiveness while significantly reducing weight and improving portability compared to rigid conventional coolers. The flexible nature allows the cooler to be easily compressed, carried, and stored without compromising its thermal performance.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional coolers are made non-rigid for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but waterproofing and liquid penetration resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible outer shell is constructed from waterproof or water-resistant material that forms a protective barrier against liquid penetration. This flexible waterproof shell maintains portability while ensuring reliability in preventing water ingress, solving the contradiction between flexibility and waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof zipper assembly is introduced as an intermediary component at the closure interface. This specialized waterproof zipper with sealing mechanism acts as a mediator between the flexible opening/closing function and the waterproofing requirement, allowing the flexible shell to remain portable while maintaining water resistance at the vulnerable closure area.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional coolers use rigid structures for stability, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability to different orientations and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shell construction provides structural integrity through the cohesive flexibility of its components rather than rigid joints. The flexible outer shell, insulation layer, and inner liner work together as a unified flexible structure that maintains its integrity while naturally adapting to various orientations and positions, enabling the cooler to function effectively whether carried vertically, horizontally, or at angles.
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 keeps contents cool or warm for an extended period, is portable, and resistant to liquid penetration, maintaining a watertight seal in various orientations and during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The closure can be watertight when the interior of the insulating device is at a pressure from 0 psi to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure may also prevent any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber that is substantially impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.