Inflatable Insulated Cooler Valve for Compact Leak-Safe Carrying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers are bulky, heavy, and difficult to carry during outdoor activities, and soft coolers lack durability and waterproofing, making them unsuitable for carrying ice without leakage or compact storage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, collapsible, inflatable cooler with a waterproof interior and exterior shell, featuring a roll-down quick-release closure and a non-leaking air valve that allows for air flow control, enabling the cooler to be compactly stored and carried comfortably while maintaining temperature insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional hard coolers are used, then temperature maintenance is effective, but portability and ease of carrying deteriorate due to heavy weight and bulky size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible waterproof liners and shells instead of rigid hard plastic construction. The cooler uses a flexible waterproof interior liner and exterior shell that can be folded or rolled when not in use, dramatically reducing weight and bulk while maintaining waterproof integrity and thermal insulation capabilities through the flexible material layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its form. The flexible materials allow the cooler to be collapsed or rolled into compact configurations for transport, then expanded to full size for use, optimizing both portability and functional performance.
2Weight of moving object
If soft coolers are made lightweight and pliable, then portability improves, but waterproofing and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specialized flexible waterproof materials for both the interior liner and exterior shell. These flexible shells are designed to be inherently waterproof while maintaining light weight and pliability, eliminating the trade-off between portability and waterproofing through material selection rather than rigid construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler employs composite construction with multiple layers including flexible waterproof liners, insulating material, and exterior shells. This composite structure combines the benefits of flexibility, waterproofing, and durability in a single integrated system that maintains light weight while providing reliable protection.
3Weight of moving object
If soft coolers are made lightweight and pliable, then portability improves, but structural strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material construction with multiple functional layers including flexible waterproof liners, thermal insulating material, and reinforced exterior shells. This composite structure provides enhanced strength and durability while maintaining light weight and flexibility, as each layer contributes specific properties that collectively overcome the weaknesses of single-material construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shells are constructed from durable waterproof materials that resist tearing and degradation while maintaining flexibility. The exterior shell and liner are designed to withstand repeated folding, rolling, and handling without compromising structural integrity, providing durability comparable to rigid coolers without the weight penalty.
4Volume of moving object
If openings are created in soft coolers to release air, then compact storage becomes possible, but insulation exposure to moisture occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled valve mechanism as an intermediary between the interior insulating space and the external environment. This valve allows selective air release for compact storage while maintaining waterproof protection of the insulation, mediating between the need for compressibility and the need to protect insulation from moisture damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible waterproof exterior shell and interior liner create a sealed environment around the insulation that can be temporarily opened through controlled valves. The waterproof flexible materials ensure that when the valve is closed, the insulation remains completely protected from moisture while the structure can be compressed for storage.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If pull tab valves are used to protect insulation, then moisture protection improves, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a valve mechanism designed as a controlled intermediary that requires deliberate user action to open or close. This valve provides reliable moisture protection by default while allowing intentional air release when needed, reducing accidental opening through its design that requires conscious operation rather than passive response to external forces.
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 cooler provides enhanced portability and durability, allowing for the use of ice as a cooling medium without leakage, and can be easily cleaned and stored, offering improved carrying capacity and insulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
flexible insulative material disposed within the interior insulative space formed between the interior liner and the exterior shell
Implementation Method 2
at least one valve disposed within the exterior shell by way of a fluid impervious seal and configured to control air flow into and out of the insulative, interior space
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a high-performance, portable, flexible, collapsible, inflatable, insulative container with increased carrying capacity and the portability of a backpack. The container of the present disclosure is both collapsible as well as inflatable via the use of a non-leaking, substantially waterproof valve that facilitates air flow into and out of an insulative space of the container.