Foldable Ice Hole Wrap for Thermal Insulation and Air Leak Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ice fishing shelters experience air leaks and thermal inefficiencies due to gaps between the floor and the ice surface, affecting comfort and energy efficiency, as existing solutions do not adequately address the varying heights and sizes of ice openings.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable, foldable ice hole wrap with a cylindrical design, featuring multiple layers of materials for insulation and closure, including a waterproof outer layer and a thermally-insulative inner layer, which can be adjusted to fit different ice shelter configurations and floor openings, providing both insulation and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed-height rigid tube is used between the floor and ice surface, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to varying ice conditions and shelter configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to varying ice conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ice hole wrap transitions from a static rigid tube to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its height and shape. The foldable cylindrical wall allows the wrap to be adjusted to different heights between the floor and ice surface, while the flexible material enables it to conform to various ice conditions and shelter configurations, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the ice hole wrap by using flexible, foldable material instead of rigid material. This allows the height and shape parameters to be adjusted dynamically to match varying ice conditions and shelter configurations, while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible material's inherent properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the floor is raised above the ice surface to prevent freeze-in, then reliability is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates due to air leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of freeze-inVSAvoidthermal insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ice hole wrap acts as an intermediary element between the raised floor and the ice surface. It fills the gap created by raising the floor, providing both structural support to prevent freeze-in and thermal insulation to reduce air leaks. The flexible material conforms to the space between floor and ice, sealing the gap while maintaining the raised floor configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a flexible cylindrical wrap that can be inserted into the gap between the raised floor and ice surface. This flexible shell provides both mechanical support to maintain the raised floor position (preventing freeze-in) and thermal insulation to seal air leaks, simultaneously addressing both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-layer rigid cover is used for ice openings, then ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal insulation and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of constructionVSAvoidthermal insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ice hole wrap employs composite construction with an outer waterproof layer and an inner thermal insulation layer. This multi-layer composite structure provides both thermal insulation and waterproofing while remaining relatively simple to manufacture. The flexible nature of the composite material allows it to conform to various opening shapes and sizes, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 adjustable ice hole wrap enhances thermal insulation, reduces air leaks, and accommodates various ice shelter constructions and ice conditions, improving comfort and energy efficiency while being durable and reusable.

Implementation Method 1

The second material may include a non-fabric insulation. The second material may include a waterproof reflective insulation. The second material may include a thermally-insulative material having an R-value that is greater than an R-value of the first material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

an ice hole wrap is provided that includes one or more layers of foldable material that may extend between a floor of the shelter and the surface of the ice (or water above the ice) to reduce airflow between the interior and exterior of the shelter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10337661B2Thermal insulated ice hole wrap devices and methods

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 KOR JOHN CRYIEL

AI summary

Ice hole wraps configured to be positioned in a floor of an ice shelter are provided, such as an ice hole wrap that includes a first circular end, a second circular end, a cylindrical wall extending between the first and second ends, and a height extending between the first and second circular ends. The wall is foldable between a first configuration in which the cylinder has a first height between the first and second circular ends, and a second configuration in which the cylinder has a second height between the first and second circular ends.