Illuminated Cooler Layout With Prep Surface for Night Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coolers lack effective illumination, making it difficult to identify and access contents, especially in low light conditions, and often require separate containers for utensils and food preparation, risking contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cooler with integrated LED light strips along its sides and front, a textured surface for enhanced visibility, and a food preparation surface on the top, along with a handle featuring lights for improved usability in dark environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If coolers are used during the night or in low light conditions, then the cooler can be used for extended periods, but the user cannot identify or see the cooler contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the cooler structure by integrating LED lights into the cooler body, specifically positioning them to illuminate the interior when the cooler is opened. This merging of functions allows the cooler to provide both cooling and illumination without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is pre-positioned within the cooler structure, specifically in the lid or body, so that illumination is automatically provided when the cooler is opened during nighttime use. This preliminary arrangement ensures visibility is ready when needed without requiring additional setup.
2Ease of operation
If separate containers are used for utensils and food preparation, then organization is improved, but the risk of contamination and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the cooler structure, including built-in utensil holders, food preparation surfaces, and lighting, eliminating the need for separate containers. This consolidation reduces the number of items that could potentially contaminate or damage each other while maintaining organizational benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler is designed with multi-functional features including utensil storage compartments, food preparation surfaces with drainage, and integrated lighting, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate containers and tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate food preparation surface is required, then food preparation can be done, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a food preparation surface directly into the cooler lid or body structure, combining the cooling function with food preparation capabilities. This eliminates the need for separate cutting boards or preparation surfaces while maintaining the cooler's primary function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler lid or body is designed to serve multiple purposes: maintaining temperature for stored items and providing a functional food preparation surface with features like drainage channels and non-slip surfaces, thereby reducing the need for additional equipment.
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
Enhances visibility and accessibility of cooler contents in low light conditions, reduces the need for separate containers, and provides a clean food preparation surface, ensuring safe and convenient use.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of lights extends along at least one of a junction between the left side and the back and a junction between the right side and the back
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler includes a bottom, a top, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back defining an interior. A plurality of lights extends along at least one of the back corners of the cooler. The interior of the cooler is divided into a bottom insulated portion for storing items that must remain cold and a top non-insulated portion for storing utensils, and other items without temperature requirements. The top of the cooler includes a food preparation surface. Optionally, the cooler includes a handle having at least one light directed toward the top of the cooler.