Insulating container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable coolers lack effective insulation and waterproofing, leading to temperature retention issues and liquid leakage, especially when inverted or subjected to pressure.

Innovation Solution

A non-rigid insulating device with a waterproof closure, comprising an outer shell, an inner liner, and a freely floating insulating layer made of foam, secured with polymer welding and TPU-coated nylon fabric, which maintains a watertight seal and provides structural integrity and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a non-rigid cooler is designed with an aperture for access, then ease of operation is improved, but waterproofing and temperature retention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to interior contentsVSAvoidwaterproofing and temperature retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A closure member is introduced as an intermediary element between the aperture and the interior contents. This closure member includes a seal that interfaces with both the outer shell and inner liner, creating a waterproof barrier while allowing the aperture to remain open for access when the closure is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member is nested within the aperture structure, with the seal positioned between the outer shell and inner liner. The closure member itself contains a closure liner that is secured to the closure, creating nested layers of protection that maintain waterproofing while enabling access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If rigid materials are used for cooler construction, then structural integrity is improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooler employs flexible outer shell and inner liner materials that can be folded or compressed for portability while maintaining structural integrity when in use. The outer shell and inner liner work together to provide the necessary strength without requiring rigid construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cooler uses composite construction with an outer shell, inner liner, and insulating layer combination that provides both flexibility for portability and structural integrity for strength. The layered composite structure allows the cooler to be both durable and portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the insulating layer is attached to the outer shell and inner liner, then structural stability is improved, but insulation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinsulation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is extracted from the attached configuration and repositioned as a free-floating element between the outer shell and inner liner. This extraction allows the insulating layer to maintain thermal effectiveness by not creating thermal bridges to the outer shell, while still providing structural stability through its positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a waterproof closure is implemented, then waterproofing is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidclosure structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproofing through the seal, enables access when opened, and structurally connects the outer shell and inner liner. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity despite the waterproofing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 contents at desired temperatures for extended periods and prevents liquid leakage, even when inverted, with a heat gain rate of approximately 1.4°F/hr and a cold retention time of up to 12.24 hours, while withstanding pressures up to 7 psi and puncture forces of 35-100 lbs.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating layer (502) floating freely in between the outer shell (501) and the inner liner (500)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a closure (301) secured to a top surface of the outer shell (501) and a bottom surface of the inner liner (500), the closure (301) configured to be a barrier against fluid penetration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterproof sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS9796517B2Insulating container

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 YETI COOLERS LLC

AI summary

An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure also prevents any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.