Insulating container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable coolers face challenges in maintaining temperature and preventing liquid leakage, especially when inverted or subjected to pressure, due to inadequate insulation and waterproofing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A portable insulating device with a waterproof closure, an outer shell, an inner liner, and a freely floating insulating layer made of foam, which is secured using polymer welding and TPU nylon fabric, ensuring effective temperature retention and liquid containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-rigid cooler is designed with an aperture on the top for access, then ease of operation is improved, but waterproofing capability deteriorates when the cooler is inverted or subjected to pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is designed to move between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic control of the aperture. When closed, it provides waterproofing; when open, it allows access. The closure's ability to adapt its state based on operational needs resolves the contradiction between ease of access and waterproofing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is made of flexible material that can conform to the aperture opening while maintaining a waterproof seal. This flexibility allows the closure to effectively block water penetration even when the cooler is inverted or subjected to pressure, while still allowing easy opening for access to contents.
2Strength
If rigid materials are used for the cooler structure, then structural strength is improved, but portability deteriorates due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler uses a flexible non-rigid structure with an outer shell made of flexible material rather than rigid materials. This reduces weight for improved portability while the insulating layer and closure design provide sufficient structural strength to maintain integrity during normal use and inversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler employs composite construction combining flexible outer shell material with an insulating layer (such as foam). This composite structure provides both the flexibility and weight reduction needed for portability while maintaining sufficient strength through the layered construction.
3Reliability
If the insulating layer is securely attached to the shell, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is designed to move freely within the cooler rather than being permanently fixed. It can shift position dynamically to conform to the shape of contents or settling materials, maintaining insulation effectiveness without requiring complex attachment mechanisms. This reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The freely moving insulating layer self-adjusts to fill gaps and maintain contact with the inner surface of the outer shell, ensuring continuous insulation coverage. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for complex mechanical attachment systems, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining insulation effectiveness.
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 device maintains contents at desired temperatures for extended periods and withstands inversion and pressure without liquid leakage, demonstrating improved insulation and waterproofing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer floating freely in between the outer shell and the inner liner
Implementation Method 2
a closure adapted to seal at least one of the outer shell or the inner liner, the closure being substantially waterproof so as to prevent liquid from exiting the aperture
Implementation Method 3
secured using polymer welding and TPU nylon fabric
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure also prevents any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.