Insulating device and method for forming insulating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers lack an effective solution for maintaining contents at desired temperatures while being portable and waterproof, especially in maintaining ice retention and preventing liquid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a waterproof closure, an outer shell, an inner liner, and a free-floating insulating layer between the two, with the insulating layer being formed of a closed cell foam and the closure being a zipper assembly that is watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure, ensuring the contents remain insulated and leak-proof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional coolers are designed to be portable with apertures for access, then ease of operation is improved, but waterproof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof closure mechanism acts as an intermediary between the aperture opening and the interior contents, allowing access while maintaining waterproof integrity. The closure includes a flap that can be opened for access and sealed to prevent water ingress, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and waterproof reliability.
2Strength
If rigid materials are used for cooler construction, then structural integrity is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler employs flexible waterproof fabric shells and thin film materials to construct the body, replacing traditional rigid materials. This maintains structural integrity sufficient for portable use while significantly reducing weight, enabling easy carrying and mobility.
3Manufacturing precision
If insulation layers are attached to the cooler structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the insulating effect deteriorates due to heat conduction through attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
Low thermal conductivity spacers or support structures act as intermediaries between the insulation layer and the cooler walls. These elements provide mechanical support for precise positioning while minimizing heat conduction pathways, thus maintaining both manufacturing precision and 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 effectively maintains contents cool or warm for an extended period, withstands inversion without leakage, and provides structural integrity, enhancing portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer (4502) positioned in between the inner liner (4500) and the outer shell (4501)
Implementation Method 2
The closure (3311) can be substantially waterproof so as to prevent liquid from penetrating the opening (3512) when the insulating device (3010) is subjected to a pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating device including an outer shell, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, wherein the insulating layer provides insulation for the storage compartment, and an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment.