Insulating Container Insert with Self-Sealing Elastomeric Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable insulating containers, or coolers, face challenges in minimizing thermal exchange between their internal storage compartments and the surrounding environment while providing access to stored items.
Innovation Solution
An insert comprising an insulating panel with self-sealing openings and a frame hingedly attached to the container, which minimizes thermal exchange by using elastomeric materials that stretch for access and contract to seal, and optionally includes a circumferential gasket for additional sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional open lid is used for the insulating container, then access to stored items is easy, but thermal exchange between the internal storage compartment and the surrounding environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric insulating panel with self-sealing openings that flexibly close when items are removed. The elastomeric material forms a flexible seal that maintains thermal insulation while allowing access, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of access and thermal energy loss.
2Loss of energy
If self-sealing openings are added to the insulating panel, then thermal exchange is minimized, but the complexity of the panel structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-sealing openings automatically close after items are removed without requiring manual intervention. The elastomeric material's inherent elasticity provides the self-sealing function, reducing the need for additional complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastomeric material's ability to change its physical state between stretched (open) and relaxed (sealed) configurations. This parameter change in the material's shape and elasticity enables the self-sealing function without adding mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If the insert is made from elastomeric material, then the self-sealing function is achieved, but the weight of the insert increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction combining the elastomeric insulating panel with a separate frame structure. This composite approach allows the elastomeric material to provide the self-sealing function only where needed, while the frame provides structural support, optimizing the weight-to-function ratio.
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 insert significantly reduces ice mass loss by approximately 73.7% compared to containers without the insert, maintaining the cold temperature effectively while allowing easy access to items.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more self-sealing openings is configured to stretch for access during use and to contract when not in use
Implementation Method 2
The insulating panel includes one or more self-sealing openings through which items stored within the internal storage compartment of the insulating container can be extracted
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an insert configured to cover and provide access to the internal storage compartment of an insulating container, such as a cooler. The insert effectively minimizes thermal exchange between the internal storage compartment and the surrounding environment, while still providing for ready access to items stored in the insulating container. An example insert comprises an insulating panel and a frame configured to support and position the insulating panel over an internal storage compartment of an insulting container. The insulating panel includes one or more self-sealing openings through which items stored within the internal storage compartment of the insulating container can be extracted. Each of the one or more self-sealing openings is configured to stretch for access during use and to contract when not in use.