Insulating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers lack an effective, portable, and waterproof solution for maintaining contents at desired temperatures, particularly in non-rigid designs that prioritize portability and insulation.
Innovation Solution
A non-rigid, portable insulating device with a waterproof closure, an outer shell, an inner liner, and a freely floating insulating layer between the two, utilizing a waterproof zipper assembly and TPU-coated nylon fabric to maintain temperature and prevent liquid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-rigid cooler design is used to maximize portability, then ease of transport is improved, but waterproof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible waterproof materials including TPU-coated nylon fabric for the outer shell and liner, and a waterproof zipper assembly with sealed construction. These flexible waterproof components maintain the portability benefits of non-rigid design while achieving reliable waterproof performance, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of transport and waterproof reliability.
2Strength
If a rigid container structure is used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid structural components with flexible waterproof materials including TPU-coated nylon fabric and a waterproof zipper assembly. These flexible components maintain adequate structural integrity for containing contents while enabling portability through flexibility and reduced weight, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler is divided into modular components including an outer shell, removable liner, and waterproof zipper assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the flexible outer shell provides portability while the structured liner maintains structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Reliability
If a waterproof zipper assembly is used to seal the aperture, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof zipper assembly utilizes flexible waterproof materials and a streamlined sealed construction that integrates directly into the outer shell and liner. This design achieves reliable waterproof sealing without requiring complex mechanical components, multi-layer assemblies, or intricate closure mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between waterproof reliability and device simplicity.
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 keeps contents cool or warm for an extended period, maintaining water resistance and structural integrity, even when inverted, while allowing for easy access and enhanced portability.
Implementation Method 1
TPU-coated nylon fabric
Implementation Method 2
insulating layer floating freely in between the outer shell and the inner liner
Data Source
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 may also prevent 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 that is substantially impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.