Four-Layer Fluid Reservoir Wall for Shape and Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible fluid reservoirs face issues with shape discomfort when full, difficulty in filling and cleaning, residual liquid trapping leading to bacterial growth, and temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A four-layer insulated wall structure comprising metallocene modified polyethylene film layers with an aluminum coated polyethylene terephthalate resin and closed cell polyethylene resin foam layer, combined with closure mechanisms and structural elements like baffles and plates to maintain shape and temperature stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a soft-sided collapsible reservoir is used, then the reservoir is lightweight and comfortable against the body, but it takes a cylindrical shape when full making it uncomfortable to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple functional layers including an inner reservoir layer, insulation layers, and an outer shell layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while collectively solving the shape and comfort problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir employs a composite multi-layer construction combining flexible polymer materials with rigid structural elements. The inner reservoir is made of flexible material for comfort, while the outer shell provides structural support to maintain a comfortable flat shape when carried.
2Ease of operation
If a collapsible reservoir is used, then the reservoir can be carried conveniently, but it is difficult to fill and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir includes pre-positioned structural elements such as ribs and baffles that maintain the reservoir's shape during filling and cleaning operations. These elements are built into the structure beforehand to facilitate easy access and manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir incorporates dynamic structural features that adapt during filling and cleaning. The collapsible nature allows the reservoir to expand during filling and be easily manipulated for cleaning, while maintaining portability when collapsed.
3Weight of moving object
If a flat reservoir is used, then the reservoir is lightweight, but it traps residual liquid between front and back sheets limiting drying ability
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir incorporates porous hydrophilic material in the form of a wick or absorbent layer between the inner reservoir and outer shell. This porous structure allows residual liquid to be drawn away from the inner surface, promoting evaporation and drying while preventing bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary absorbent layer is introduced between the inner reservoir and outer shell. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that absorbs and transports residual liquid away from the fluid-contact surface, enabling drying and preventing bacterial contamination.
4Device complexity
If a simple single-layer reservoir is used, then the reservoir is simple in structure, but the fluid temperature is subject to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir uses a composite multi-layer construction with distinct inner reservoir layer, insulation layers (including foam and reflective barriers), and outer shell layer. This composite structure provides thermal insulation to maintain fluid temperature while remaining relatively simple in overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation function is segmented into multiple layers including foam insulation layers and reflective barrier layers. Each layer contributes to thermal protection, allowing the system to maintain temperature stability without requiring a single complex insulation solution.
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 provides comfort during use, easy filling and cleaning, inhibits bacterial growth, and maintains temperature stability for up to four hours.
Implementation Method 1
the insulation layer can be a foam layer comprising closed cell polyethylene (PE) resin. The four-layer insulated wall can resist or limit temperature changes of a fluid disposed within the reservoir for a period of time.
Implementation Method 2
the metallic film layer can be aluminum coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are flexible fluid reservoirs including a front sheet and a back sheet, each comprising a four-layer insulated wall. The four-layer insulated wall includes an interior layer and an exterior layer, and a metallic film layer and an insulation layer disposed between the interior layer and the exterior layer where the metallic film layer is oriented toward the exterior layer and the insulation layer is oriented toward the interior layer. One or more of the interior or exterior layers can be a metallocene modified polyethylene film. The metallic film layer can be aluminum coated polyethylene terephthalate resin. The insulation layer can be a foam layer comprising closed cell polyethylene resin. The four-layer insulated wall can resist or limit temperature changes of a fluid disposed within the reservoir for a period of time. The insulated fluid reservoirs can include closure mechanisms for sealing an upper opening of the reservoir.