Overwrap Container with Uniform Air Gap for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated containers with double wall constructions and air gaps between inner and outer walls often have non-uniform air gaps, particularly at the seam areas, leading to discomfort when holding hot or cold beverages due to mechanical clamping, which eliminates the air gap and causes uneven insulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for forming an overwrap container with a base container and an overwrap, where connecting elements are applied between the side wall and the overwrap, except along the aligned side seams, to maintain a uniform air gap continuously between the inner and outer walls, ensuring comfort and effective insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical clamping is applied along the overwrap side seam to join the overwrap, then the overwrap is securely attached to the base container, but the air gap is eliminated in the seam area causing discomfort when holding the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different attachment methods to different locations: mechanical clamping is used at the side seams for secure attachment, while adhesive elements are used at the top and bottom edges where uniform air gap maintenance is critical for thermal insulation and user comfort. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between secure attachment and holding comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the overwrap is tightly secured to the base container, then structural stability is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to non-uniform air gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive elements specifically at the top and bottom edges where the air gap must be maintained for thermal insulation, while mechanical clamping is used at the side seams for structural stability. This localized attachment strategy ensures both structural integrity and uniform thermal insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive elements serve as an intermediary attachment method that provides sufficient structural stability without the mechanical compression that eliminates the air gap. This intermediary approach allows the overwrap to remain securely attached while maintaining the insulating air gap.
3Strength
If adhesive elements are applied around the entire periphery of the base container, then the overwrap is uniformly attached, but the air gap is compressed reducing insulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically places adhesive elements only at the top and bottom edges rather than around the entire periphery. This localized adhesive application provides sufficient attachment uniformity at critical locations while preserving the air gap in the side seam areas, thereby maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness.
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 solution creates a comfortable and convenient overwrap container with uniform insulation around its entire periphery, maintaining the air gap and enhancing the retention of temperature and preventing condensation, thus addressing the shortcomings of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
an air gap is provided between the individual walls of the double wall construction
Implementation Method 2
protect the exterior of the cold container from moisture condensation that may pool on the bottom of the container
Data Source
AI summary
An overwrap container includes a base container having a first side seam on a side wall that extends along a longitudinal axis to define an internal volume, and a bottom connected to the side wall. An overwrap is positioned over the side wall of the base container and has a second side seam aligned longitudinally with the first side seam. Connecting elements are positioned between the side wall of the base container and the overwrap, and join the side wall of the base container and the overwrap together except in an area along the aligned first and second seams to define an uniform spacing extending continuously between the side wall and the overwrap forming an air gap there between.