Rigid refreezable portable storage container insert
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable storage containers, typically made of non-insulating materials, fail to keep food and beverages fresh and cold, with existing solutions either delaying spoilage with passive insulation or making containers bulky with added insulation.
Innovation Solution
A rigid housing insert for portable storage containers with hollow walls filled with a refreezable material, allowing for stacking and integration of divider panels, designed to maintain freshness and coldness for extended periods without bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a soft-sided collapsible insert with ice packs is used, then insulation performance is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase due to multiple bulky ice packs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing structure and insulation medium into a single integrated unit. The rigid housing contains refreezable material within its walls, eliminating the need for separate ice packs. This merging of structure and function reduces device complexity while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as the container body, and contains the refreezable material for insulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Temperature
If an insulating layer is added to make the container rigid and insulated, then temperature maintenance is improved, but the container becomes bulky and harder to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The refreezable material is localized within the housing walls at a thickness of 3-8mm, providing insulation only where thermally critical. This localized approach maintains temperature effectiveness while minimizing the overall volume and bulk of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the wall thickness parameter to 3-8mm, which provides sufficient insulation performance while keeping the container compact and portable. This parameter optimization balances temperature maintenance with reduced bulk.
3Temperature
If passive insulation is used to prevent heat escape, then temperature stability is improved, but the duration of action is limited and spoilage is only delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The refreezable material utilizes phase transition (freezing and thawing) to actively regulate temperature. As the material melts, it absorbs heat; as it refreezes, it releases heat, maintaining temperature stability for extended periods beyond what passive insulation alone can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The refreezable material provides periodic thermal regulation through repeated freezing and thawing cycles. This periodic action extends the duration of temperature maintenance by actively counteracting heat transfer over multiple cycles.
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 effectively keeps food and beverages fresh and cold for several hours by utilizing a refreezable material within a compact, stackable, and versatile insert, maintaining temperatures below 41°F for an extended duration without increasing the container's bulk.
Implementation Method 1
The space between the inner and outer layers is configured to receive a refreezable material... effectively keeps food and beverages fresh and cold for several hours by utilizing a refreezable material... maintaining temperatures below 41°F for an extended duration
Implementation Method 2
the space between the inner and outer layers is configured to receive a refreezable material... maintaining temperatures below 41°F for an extended duration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is described herein for storing and transporting food and beverages, comprising a rigid housing configured to fit within a container, the housing comprising a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base, the wall having an inner layer and an outer layer defining a space therebetween, a refreezable material disposed in the space, and a divider panel configured to be removably mounted in the housing. Other products, systems and methods also are disclosed.