Insulating container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulating containers are often not durable and lack effective means to securely close the lid, with lids prone to breakage and inadequate latching systems, rendering them less functional.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hinged lid with a latching device featuring a latch upper and latch lower, made from elastomeric and rigid materials, which provides a secure closure and includes a pressure regulation device like a duckbill-umbrella valve to prevent lid lock due to pressure changes, ensuring durability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lids and latches are used, then the container structure is simple, but the lid is prone to breakage and cannot securely maintain closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member with engaging tab, a keeper member with recess, and a spring member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while keeping the overall design manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates a spring member that provides dynamic force to maintain engagement between the latch and keeper. The spring allows the latch to automatically engage and disengage through elastic deformation, enhancing security without requiring complex actuation mechanisms
2Reliability
If the lid is made secure with latching device, then the container maintains closed position, but pressure changes may cause lid lock
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure relief valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the sealed lid and the external environment. This valve mediates pressure changes by providing a controlled pathway for pressure equalization, preventing lid lock while maintaining the security function of the latching mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief function is extracted from the sealing system and implemented as a separate pressure relief valve. This allows the latching mechanism to focus on security while the pressure valve independently handles pressure regulation, eliminating the harmful effect of pressure-induced lid lock
3Temperature
If the container is sealed tightly, then temperature maintenance is effective, but pressure buildup may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve serves as an intermediary that allows controlled interaction between the sealed interior and exterior environments. It maintains the tight seal needed for temperature maintenance while providing a pressure relief pathway to prevent dangerous pressure buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve changes the pressure parameter by providing a controlled escape pathway. When internal pressure exceeds a threshold, the valve opens to equalize pressure, then closes to maintain sealing. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows tight sealing for thermal insulation while preventing pressure accumulation
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 solution enhances the durability and functionality of insulating containers by providing a secure closure mechanism and pressure regulation, preventing lid lock and ensuring the container remains effective over time.
Implementation Method 1
The latch upper may be constructed of an elastomeric rubber. The latch lower may be constructed of a rigid plastic and elastomeric rubber.
Implementation Method 2
a pressure regulation device configured to passively allow regulation or equalization of the pressure between the interior void and the atmosphere to prevent lid lock
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in the closed configuration. In some examples, the insulating container further includes a pressure regulation device. In other examples, the latching devices further include an elastomeric latch upper and a semi-rigid latch lower configured to engage an insulating container keeper when the when the lid is in a closed and a secured position. In still other examples, the latch upper and the latch lower are configured in a recessed position, and flush with a front side of the insulating container lid and flush with a front side of a bottom portion of the insulating container when the latch device secures the lid in a closed position.