Insulating Container With Interference Fit Plug Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolers lack effective multi-layered waterproof protection and thermal insulation, leading to potential liquid ingress and inadequate temperature maintenance during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base with outer and inner layers and insulation, coupled with a moveable lid having multiple insulation layers and a plug that forms an interference fit with the base to seal the interior volume, along with a waterproof closure around the periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer closure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the waterproof protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple independent layers: an outer closure layer and an inner closure layer, each providing separate waterproof barriers. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to overall waterproof reliability without requiring a single complex multi-functional closure, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner closure layer is nested within the outer closure layer, creating a multi-layered waterproof structure. The inner closure layer is positioned inside the outer closure layer such that both layers work together to provide enhanced waterproof protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall closure structure.
2Temperature
If multiple insulation layers are added, then the thermal insulation performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation structure uses composite material construction with an outer insulation layer and an inner insulation layer made of different materials or configurations. This allows the system to achieve superior thermal insulation performance through material composition rather than simply adding thickness, thereby improving temperature maintenance without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If a waterproof closure is added, then the liquid ingress prevention is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner closure layer is designed to be movable relative to the outer closure layer, allowing dynamic opening and closing action. The inner closure layer can be selectively opened or closed independently, providing ease of operation for accessing contents while maintaining waterproof protection when closed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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 container provides enhanced waterproof protection and thermal insulation, effectively maintaining the temperature of contents and preventing liquid ingress, even when subjected to varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the moveable lid including an outer lid layer, a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and an inner lid layer covering the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer
Implementation Method 2
The second insulation layer and the inner lid layer define a plug that forms an interference fit with the inner base layer to seal the interior volume when the moveable lid is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a container having a base defining a first end, a second end, a front wall, a rear wall, and an inner base layer that defines an interior volume of the container. The container further includes a shoulder strap coupled to the rear wall and a moveable lid coupled to the base at the first end. The moveable lid includes a cover and a plug. The plug protrudes from the cover and forms an interference fit with the inner base layer to seal the interior volume when the moveable lid is in a closed position.