Modular Cooler Attachment System with Sliding Rail Couplers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor containers, such as coolers and bait buckets, lack modular accessory attachment systems that allow for easy customization and adaptation to different sizes and surfaces, limiting their functionality and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A modular accessory attachment system featuring sliding rail/channel boards and male-female attachment couplers that can be retrofitted to various containers, enabling the secure attachment of accessories and wheels, and allowing for adjustment to fit different cooler sizes and models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed-design containers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate modular components including channel boards, couplers, and accessory modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different container configurations without redesigning the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making complexity modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel board and coupler system is designed as a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of accessories (wheels, handles, racks) on various container sizes and surfaces. This multi-functional design enables a single system to provide adaptability across different applications while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom accessories are added to enhance functionality, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system employs dynamic coupling mechanisms where accessories can be easily attached and detached through simple coupling actions. The coupler design allows for quick connection and disconnection of accessories without permanent modifications, enabling versatility through configurable arrangements while keeping the base system simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular attachment systems are integrated, then adaptability is enhanced, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the attachment system into standardized modular components with consistent interface designs, each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes. The channel board, couplers, and accessories are designed as separate manufacturable units that assemble through standardized connections, making the overall adaptable system easier to manufacture through modular production rather than custom fabrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment mechanisms are added to fit different container sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides adaptability to different container sizes by changing the position and configuration parameters of the channel boards and couplers rather than altering the fundamental structure. Users can adjust the attachment points along the channel lengths and reposition components to match different container dimensions, achieving size adaptability through parameter variation while maintaining a simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11008030B2Adaptable modular attachment and accessory system for use with coolers, bait buckets and other containers

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 SANTIVA OUTDOORS L L C SERIES IP

AI summary

Various apparatuses and methods relate to coolers or other containers having attachment features to which modular accessories may be attached. Various apparatuses and methods relate to wheel and modular accessory attachment systems for attaching to a cooler or other container. Various apparatuses and methods relate to rails and channels for sliding attachment couplers. Various apparatuses and methods relate to keyed male-female attachment couplers. Various apparatuses and methods relate to a chassis configured to adjust in size for adapting the chassis to fit a variety of container sizes. Various apparatuses and methods relate to a coupler assembly for mechanically securing a container to a container undercarriage system.