Nestable Containers with Foldable Thermal Inserts for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stackable and nestable containers lack an efficient thermal management system that allows for both stacking and nesting configurations while maintaining effective thermal insulation and compact storage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a foldable thermal insert made from thermally active or passive materials, such as polyurethane foam or reflective metallic sheeting, which can be unfolded for stacking and folded for nesting, allowing for efficient thermal regulation and compact storage by being placed between containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid thermal insulation system is used in stackable containers, then thermal insulation effectiveness is improved, but storage volume efficiency deteriorates when containers need to be nested
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The insulation panels can be folded or collapsed when not needed, allowing the container to be nested compactly. When stacking is required, the insulation panels are deployed to provide full thermal protection. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness and achieving compact storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation system is divided into separate, modular panels that can be independently folded or collapsed. This segmentation allows the insulation structure to be broken down into compact segments for nesting, while still providing complete thermal coverage when assembled in the stacked configuration. Each segment can be stored efficiently without compromising the overall insulation performance.
2Temperature
If thermal insulation materials are added to containers, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is designed to serve multiple functions: the same structural elements that provide container integrity also serve as the thermal insulation framework. The foldable panels perform both structural support and thermal insulation functions, eliminating the need for separate, complex insulation systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible thermal insulation panels that can be folded and collapsed, rather than rigid insulation structures. These flexible panels provide effective thermal protection when deployed but can be compacted to minimal thickness when not needed. This approach maintains temperature stability without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the container design.
3Volume of moving object
If containers are designed for nesting configuration, then storage efficiency is improved, but thermal insulation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container system dynamically switches between nested and stacked configurations based on operational needs. When containers are nested for storage or transport, the insulation panels are folded or collapsed to minimize volume. When containers are stacked for use, the insulation panels are deployed to provide full thermal protection. This dynamic transformation allows the system to optimize both storage efficiency and thermal insulation capability at different times without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nesting mechanism where containers can be placed inside one another in a compact configuration. The thermal insulation panels are designed to fold or collapse during nesting, allowing the containers to achieve minimal storage volume. When needed, the panels are unfolded or expanded to restore full thermal insulation capability, effectively resolving the contradiction between nesting efficiency and insulation performance.
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
This solution enables containers to maintain temperature stability during stacking and nesting while minimizing storage volume, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of thermal management in container systems.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of a foldable thermal insert made from thermally active or passive materials, such as polyurethane foam or reflective metallic sheeting
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
An assembly of nestable containers (10A, 10B) with foldable thermal inserts (12) and method of using the same are disclosed. The containers (10A, 10B) are nested within each other, while the foldable thermal insert (12) is folded and disposed in-between the bottom faces of the nested containers (10A, 10B).