Insulating container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional insulating containers, such as coolers, have limited accessibility and are difficult to clean due to their fixed lid mechanisms, which restrict access and maintenance, especially in cramped spaces.
Innovation Solution
An insulating container with a lid that is pivotally coupled to the outer body member, allowing it to open in two directions and be fully detached, and a latching assembly that includes upper and lower latch members and a pin member for secure attachment and release, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hinged lid mechanism is used, then the container structure is simple, but the accessibility and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lid mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latch members (upper latch member, lower latch member, pin member) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the lid to be detached completely or pivoted in multiple directions, providing enhanced accessibility and flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid mechanism transitions from a fixed hinged design to a dynamic system where the lid can be positioned in multiple states: fully attached, partially detached, or pivoted in different directions. The lower latch member's ability to pivot between locked and unlocked positions enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the container to adapt to various access requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed lid mechanism is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the cleaning and maintenance are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system is divided into separable components (lid, upper latch member, lower latch member, pin member) that can be easily detached from one another. This segmentation allows each component to be removed and cleaned independently, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while keeping the manufacturing process relatively straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch members are designed to be extractable from the container structure. The lower latch member can be pivoted out of its locked position, and the pin member can be removed, allowing complete disassembly of the lid assembly for thorough cleaning of all surfaces and crevices that would be inaccessible in a fixed design.
3Ease of operation
If a single-direction hinged lid is used, then the structure is simple, but the access in cramped spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lid mechanism provides dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the lid to be pivoted in multiple directions (first direction and second direction) rather than being constrained to a single opening direction. This dynamic behavior enables users to access the container from different angles, making it easier to operate in cramped or confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly is designed to be operable by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The lower latch member can be manually pivoted to lock or unlock the lid, and the entire system is self-contained within the container structure, providing enhanced accessibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating container includes a plurality of walls defining an outer body member, a base member that supports the outer body member, a liner disposed within and spaced apart from the plurality of walls, and an internal cavity. A lid is releasably and pivotally coupled to the outer body member or a liner therein to move between an open position and a closed position. The lid is pivotable in both a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction to move between closed positions and open positions. The insulating container further includes a latching assembly that releasably secures the lid to the outer body member. The latching assembly includes an upper latch member fixedly coupled to the lid, a lower latch member pivotable between a pivoting position and a release position.