Insulating Bag Structure for Refrigerated Meal Kit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meal kit shipping systems lack a means to securely support meal kits in bags while maximizing air circulation for refrigeration and are complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A modular packaging system comprising a collapsible tray insertable into an outer box, supporting a central packing container, and a custom gel-pack set, which includes a tray with foldable panels and wings for secure support and air circulation, and an insulating bag with multiple layers for temperature preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid tray structure is used to securely support meal kits, then support stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid tray structure into a collapsible one with foldable panels and wings. The tray includes side panels that can fold between extended and retracted positions, and wings that can pivot between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic structure provides stable support when extended and secured, yet collapses to a compact form for storage and shipping, resolving the contradiction between support stability and device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a collapsible tray design is used, then ease of storage and shipping is improved, but support stability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tray into multiple independent components: a base panel, foldable side panels, and pivotable wings. Each component can be independently positioned and secured. The side panels fold to vertical positions to provide support walls, while the wings pivot to extended positions to engage with the outer box for stabilization. This segmented design allows the tray to achieve both compact collapse for storage and stable configuration for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through pre-formed fold lines and hinge connections that guide the assembly process. The side panels are pre-configured with fold lines to easily transition between collapsed and extended positions. The wings include pre-formed hinge connections that guide their pivot motion. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the tray is deployed, the components automatically assume their stable support positions, maintaining stability while enabling easy transformation from compact form.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for the packaging system, then adaptability and customization are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple functional components into a single integrated blank. The base panel, side panels, and wings are all formed from one continuous piece of material with pre-formed fold lines and hinge connections. This single blank can be manufactured using simple die-cutting or stamping processes, then folded and assembled into the complete collapsible tray structure. This merging approach provides the adaptability of multiple components while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of a single integrated part.
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 system effectively maintains meal kits in a refrigerated state during shipment by securing and insulating the contents while simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating bag can include a temperature-preserving liner such as a low emissivity/high reflectivity liner that reflects radiant heat
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating bag includes a pair of opposing side panels; a pair of opposing main panels, each side panel attached to each main panel, the pair of opposing main panels and the pair of opposing side panels together defining a top bag end and a bottom bag end opposite the top bag end; a pair of opposing main top flaps, each main top flap hingedly connected to a corresponding one of the main panels at the top bag end; a pair of opposing side top flaps, each side top flap hingedly connected to a corresponding one of the side panels at the top bag end; and a bottom panel disposed at the bottom bag end; wherein: the insulating bag comprises a paper base layer, a temperature-preserving liner applied to the paper base layer, and a protective layer positioned over the temperature-preserving liner; and the insulating bag defines an interior cavity configured to receive bag contents therein.