Removable Backrest for Cooler Lids Without Seal Disruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable coolers lack a comfortable backrest, leading to reduced comfort and strain on the back, as existing solutions either add bulk and weight or restrict access to the cooler's interior and sealing.

Innovation Solution

A removable backrest design featuring a frame with an attachment base and pin system that fits onto existing coolers without disrupting the seal, allowing the cooler lid to open and close freely and can be easily removed for increased portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a backrest is permanently attached to the cooler lid, then comfort is improved, but the cooler adds bulk and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcooler weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is divided into separate modular components including a base plate with pins that attach to the cooler lid, allowing the backrest to be segmented and attached only when needed rather than being a permanent integral part of the cooler structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backrest transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment, allowing users to attach or detach the backrest based on their specific needs, thereby avoiding the permanent weight and bulk of an always-attached backrest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a backrest is permanently molded into the cooler lid, then comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is manufactured as separate components (base plate, pins, backrest structure) that can be produced independently using simpler manufacturing processes, then assembled together and attached to the cooler lid, avoiding the complexity of molding an integrated backrest into the lid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a removable backrest is added to the cooler, then comfort is improved, but the cooler seal may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcooler seal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is designed with specific dimensions and attachment points that correspond to local features on the cooler lid, ensuring that the attachment mechanism fits precisely without interfering with the seal areas, thereby maintaining cooler seal integrity while providing backrest functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11083300B2Removable back rest

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 KASPAR WIRE WORKS

AI summary

A removable backrest is attached to a cooler in such a manner that does not interfere with the opening or closing of the lid nor does it interfere with the sealing mechanism of the cooler. The removable backrest inserts into existing slots positioned in the walls of certain commercially available coolers. The angle of the frame permits a user to sit on the complete lid of the cooler and lean against the backrest. While the backrest is in position, the lid may be opened or closed at the user's convenience.