Locking Cooler Assembly with Remote Security and Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooler devices lack a comprehensive solution for securely storing both perishable and non-perishable items, particularly in a manner that maintains temperature for perishables and provides secure storage for valuables.
Innovation Solution
A cooler device with thermally insulating material, a hingedly coupled divider and lid that defines a storage space, and a locking unit with remote control access, allowing secure storage of perishable items and non-perishable items in separate compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cooler is designed with separate compartments for perishable and non-perishable items, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional locking mechanisms and remote control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is divided into two distinct compartments: a perishable items compartment with a first lid and a non-perishable items compartment with a second lid. This segmentation allows independent access and storage of different item types, improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism and remote control system serve multiple functions: they secure both compartments, control access to different item types, and provide temperature monitoring capabilities. This multi-functionality addresses the complexity issue by having a single control system manage multiple security and monitoring tasks
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure non-perishable items, then security against theft is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional locking and unlocking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical locking system is replaced with an electronic locking mechanism controlled by a remote control device. The motor-driven locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged remotely via wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of physical locks and significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining high security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system automatically engages when the cooler is closed and can be remotely controlled through the portable control device. The system serves itself by automatically securing the compartments without requiring user intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable security
3Temperature
If thermally insulating material is used to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but weight of the cooler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler utilizes composite construction with thermally insulating materials integrated into the walls and compartments. The combination of insulating materials with the overall structural design achieves effective temperature maintenance while managing the weight through optimized material distribution and structural efficiency
4Ease of operation
If a remote control system is integrated for locking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
A portable control device serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The control device communicates wirelessly with the cooler's locking system, allowing users to operate the locks from a distance without directly interacting with the cooler's electronic components. This intermediary approach improves ease of operation while containing complexity within the modular control system
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 cooler effectively maintains the temperature of perishable items while securely storing non-perishable items, preventing theft through a remote locking mechanism, ensuring both freshness and security.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler for storing perishable items, wherein the cooler is comprised of a thermally insulating material to retain the perishable items at a preferred temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A locking cooler assembly includes a cooler that can store perishable items. The cooler is comprised of a thermally insulating material to retain the perishable items at a preferred temperature. A divider is hingedly coupled to the cooler and the divider opens and closes the cooler. A lid is hingedly coupled to the divider and the lid and the divider define a storage space when the lid is closed for storing non-perishable items. A locking unit is coupled to the divider and the locking unit engages the lid when the locking unit is engaged to secure the objects stored in the storage space defined by the divider and the lid. A remote control is in remote communication with the locking unit to facilitate the user to remotely disengage the locking unit.