Folding Container Double-Walled Insulation Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting fresh sea fish or ice-cold foods, such as using Styrofoam boxes, are not hygienic for reuse due to residue issues and are not suitable for thermal insulation, making them only suitable for disposable containers.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible plastic container with a double-walled design, featuring drainage openings in the floor and a sealed, gas-tight structure for effective thermal insulation, allowing for easy cleaning and reuse, and stackability for efficient logistical cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If Styrofoam boxes are used for transporting ice-cold goods, then thermal insulation is improved, but hygiene and reusability deteriorate due to residue accumulation and material damage during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from Styrofoam to plastic, which has different properties: plastic is more resistant to cleaning processes and can be sterilized by steam or chemical agents without degrading, while maintaining sufficient thermal insulation properties for transporting ice-cold goods
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses a composite structure combining plastic material with an insulating layer (such as expanded polyethylene or polypropylene foam) to achieve both good thermal insulation and hygiene properties, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and cleanability
2Reliability
If reusable containers are used instead of disposable Styrofoam, then hygiene and sustainability are improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction with an outer plastic shell and an inner insulating layer made of materials like expanded polyethylene or polypropylene foam, achieving both reusability and effective thermal insulation for ice-cold goods transport
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses flexible plastic shells that can be designed as folding or collapsible structures, providing reusable durability while maintaining thermal insulation through controlled wall thickness and insulating material selection
3Strength
If solid non-folding containers are used, then structural strength is improved, but storage efficiency and logistical cost deteriorate due to empty container transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements folding or collapsible mechanisms that allow the container to transition between a rigid, strong state during transport of goods and a compact, folded state for return transport and storage, optimizing both structural strength and logistical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into modular sections with folding walls and segmented structure, allowing it to be collapsed into a compact form for efficient return transport while maintaining sufficient structural strength when erected for cargo transport
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 collapsible plastic container ensures hygienic reuse, effective thermal insulation, and cost-effective logistical management by allowing for easy cleaning and stacking, addressing the limitations of previous materials like Styrofoam.
Implementation Method 1
at least the side walls of the folding container are double-walled. The air layer or the air cushion between the two walls
Implementation Method 2
special openings are provided in the floor area to allow the melting ice water to drain off
Data Source
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AI summary
The container has side walls and a base, which are produced by plastic injection molding. The side walls and/or the base have a double-walled construction with a closed air cushion, and discharge openings for discharging liquid i.e. melt water, is provided in the base. The double-walled construction is produced by a core during injection molding. The air cushion is closed, while a base unit is welded after withdrawing the core. Auxiliary openings are provided in hinges, which connects the base and side walls. An independent claim is also included for an injection mold for producing a folding container.