Insulating Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers lack effective insulation and waterproofing, leading to temperature retention issues and leakage, especially when subjected to inversion or external pressures.
Innovation Solution
A non-rigid insulating device with a waterproof closure, featuring a floating insulating layer between an outer shell and inner liner, and a base support layer, designed to maintain temperature and prevent liquid leakage, utilizing materials like TPU-coated nylon and NBR/PVC foam for enhanced insulation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional coolers use simple construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but insulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure with an outer shell, inner liner, and insulating layer positioned between them. The closure assembly is nested within the opening of the container, and the insulating layer is positioned within the cavity formed by the outer shell and inner liner. This nested arrangement provides effective temperature retention while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials including TPU-coated nylon for the outer shell and inner liner, and NBR/PVC foam for the insulating layer. These composite materials work together to provide both insulation effectiveness and waterproofing, resolving the contradiction between simple construction and temperature retention.
2Device complexity
If conventional coolers lack waterproof closure, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible waterproof closure assembly that includes a closure member and a waterproof barrier. The closure member can be a flexible material that forms a seal when engaged with the opening, and the waterproof barrier prevents liquid leakage. This approach provides reliable waterproofing without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly acts as an intermediary element between the interior and exterior of the container. It includes a closure member that engages with the opening and a waterproof barrier that prevents liquid passage. This intermediary structure provides reliable waterproofing while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through integrated design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If insulating layer is fixed to outer shell and inner liner, then structural stability is improved, but insulation effectiveness deteriorates due to heat conduction through attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the insulating layer detachable or minimally attached at specific locations rather than being fully fixed. The insulating layer can be positioned within the cavity and held in place by friction or minimal attachment points that do not compromise the overall insulation. This local approach to attachment maintains structural stability while minimizing heat conduction pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by ensuring the insulating layer is sufficiently thick and properly positioned within the cavity before final assembly. The insulating layer is designed to maintain its insulating properties even with minimal attachment, providing thermal protection in advance before the container is subjected to temperature variations.
4Strength
If conventional coolers are rigid, then structural strength is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells for the outer shell and inner liner, made from materials like TPU-coated nylon. These flexible materials provide sufficient structural strength to protect the contents while being lightweight and portable. The flexibility of the shell materials allows the container to be easily carried and handled without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials including TPU-coated nylon for the shell and NBR/PVC foam for insulation. These composite materials provide an optimal balance between structural strength and weight, enabling the container to be both durable and portable. The TPU coating provides strength and waterproofing, while the foam insulation adds minimal weight.
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 effectively maintains temperature for extended periods and prevents liquid leakage, even when inverted, demonstrating improved insulation and waterproofing capabilities compared to traditional coolers.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof closure
Implementation Method 3
utilizing materials like TPU-coated nylon and NBR/PVC foam for enhanced insulation and structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating device may include a body comprising an outer shell, an insulating layer and aerogel structure adjacent to the outer shell, and an inner liner secured to the outer shell. The aerogel structure may comprise skiving features that extend from a surface of the aerogel structure to a mid-point width of the aerogel structure and may be configured to facilitate folding of the aerogel structure.