Segmented Hinging Cooler Lid to Minimize Air Exchange and Cooling Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional portable coolers lose cooling efficiency when opened to access contents, as external air enters and must be re-chilled by ice, reducing the effectiveness of maintaining internal coolness.
Innovation Solution
A cooler with a hinging segmented lid that can be opened incrementally, minimizing the size of the opening and reducing air exchange, comprising a top deck, insulated sidewalls, and a bottom, with zippers to secure the lid, and insulating materials to maintain temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cooler lid is opened to access contents, then the user can retrieve or replace goods, but external air enters the chamber and cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple segments that can be opened independently. The first segment opens to provide access to contents while the second segment remains closed, allowing selective access without exposing the entire chamber to external air.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic partially open state. The articulating hinge mechanism allows the lid to be opened to different degrees, enabling the user to expose only the necessary portion of the chamber for accessing contents.
2Device complexity
If a traditional fixed lid is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening size cannot be minimized when accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple segments connected by articulating hinges, creating a multi-section structure that can be opened incrementally. This segmentation allows control over the opening size while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid segments are arranged in a nested configuration where the first segment can be opened while the second segment remains nested/closed behind it, allowing controlled access through a limited opening.
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 hinging lid design allows for selective access to the interior while minimizing air exchange, extending the cooling effect and maintaining internal temperature by reducing external air intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
insulating members arranged along a length of the lid with a space between the insulating members... A layer of insulating material is located between the top outer layer and the plurality of insulating members
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the inner insulated volume is enveloped in a reflective insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler with a hinging lid is comprised of a top deck having an opening and a unitary hinging lid to cover the opening; insulated sidewalls; and a bottom that together define an enclosed insulated inner volume for storage of objects. The inner volume can be accessed by opening the hinging lid. The hinging lid can be selectively opened, segment by segment, to access the inner volume while minimizing the exchange of air between the inner volume and the air surrounding the cooler. The hinging lid is comprised of a pull flap tab, an interior layer of reflective insulating material, at least one layer of support insulation material and a waterproof outer surface layer. The support insulation material of the hinging lid is divided into at least two discrete segments comprising a first segment and a second segment and can be articulated as a hinge between the segments.