Retractable U-Shaped Cooler Handle for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices for transporting beach items are cumbersome, requiring multiple trips and occupying excessive space, as they lack the capacity to carry both perishable and non-perishable items efficiently and have large storage volumes when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A travel cooler with a wheeled platform and an insulated container that can be coupled and uncoupled, featuring inflatable sidewalls, a drain conduit, and a handle system that allows for compact storage and efficient transportation of both perishable and non-perishable items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wheeled cooler or cart is used to transport beach items, then mobility is improved, but the device occupies excessive storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cooler body collapsible and the handle transitionable between extended and retracted positions. The cooler can be collapsed to a fraction of its original volume for storage, while the handle can be retracted into the cooler body. This dynamic transformation allows the device to provide full mobility functionality when in use, then minimize its volume for storage in a vehicle trunk or garage.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple trips are made to transport all beach items, then transport capacity per trip is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the insulated cooler body for perishable items with an external cargo rack or basket for non-perishable items into a single integrated mobile unit. This merging allows both types of items to be transported together in one trip, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips and thereby reducing time consumption while maximizing transport capacity per trip.
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
Enables single-trip transportation of a substantial amount of beach items while significantly reducing storage space when not in use, thanks to the collapsible design and detachable components.
Implementation Method 1
The travel cooler further includes inflatable sidewalls and a valve for inflating of the sidewalls
Data Source
AI summary
A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.