Insulated Container Assembly with External Thermal Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft-sided insulated containers with thermal storage members, such as ice packs, present convenience and use issues, including the need to open the main closure to access or remove the thermal storage members, which can disrupt the contents and are not easily interchangeable or adaptable for different thermal needs.
Innovation Solution
A soft-sided insulated container assembly with externally accessible thermal storage member accommodations that allow for sideways sliding insertion and removal of thermal storage members without opening the main closure, featuring a slot system for easy access and interchangeable gel packs that can be frozen or used for both cooling and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main closure is opened to access thermal storage members, then the thermal storage members can be accessed or removed, but the contents of the chamber are disrupted and the operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate access systems: a main closure for chamber contents and a second closure for thermal storage member access. This segmentation allows independent access to thermal storage members without opening the main closure, eliminating disruption to chamber contents while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermal storage members are used, then cooling function is provided, but they are not easily interchangeable or adaptable for different thermal needs
Solution Approach 1:
The container design provides universal adaptability by accommodating different types of thermal storage members (ice packs, gel packs, heating packs) through a standardized second closure mechanism. This allows the same container structure to serve multiple thermal functions (cooling, heating, different temperature requirements) without increasing structural complexity.
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
Enables convenient and efficient use of thermal storage members without disturbing the contents, allowing for easy insertion and removal of gel packs, and provides flexibility in thermal management by using interchangeable packs that can be adapted for various temperature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal storage member has a heat transfer interface defined by the span and the width. The accommodation has a face against which the heat transfer interface is opposed, thereby to engage in heat transfer with the chamber.
Implementation Method 2
at least first and second gel-packs for fitting in the first and second accommodations, the gel packs being interchangeable
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly has a soft-sided insulated wall structure. It has an internal chamber in which to place objects, such as foodstuffs, to be kept cool or warm. There is a first closure member that opens and closes to permit objects to be place in, or removed from, the chamber. The wall structure includes one or more accommodations in which to place a warming or cooling element, such as an ice pack. The accommodations are externally accessible without opening the main chamber, and have their own closure. The outside of the accommodation may be insulated; the inside is a thin web through which to transfer heat. The container may be a collapsible foldable bag; a tote bag; back pack or a non-collapsible lunch box. The thermal storage elements may have a flat disk shape. The external access for the thermal storage elements permits them to slide sideways into place.