Insulating container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable coolers face challenges in maintaining temperature stability and water resistance, especially when inverted or subjected to pressure, due to inadequate insulation and sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a waterproof closure, an insulating layer floating between an outer shell and an inner liner, with a zipper assembly that is watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure, and a base support layer for enhanced insulation and structural integrity, using materials like TPU nylon fabric and closed-cell foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-rigid container is designed with an aperture and closure for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but water resistance and temperature stability deteriorate when inverted or subjected to pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible waterproof liner made of laminated material (such as TPU-coated nylon) that forms the inner chamber of the cooler. This flexible film structure provides water resistance while allowing the cooler to be non-rigid and portable. The liner is secured to the closure and walls, creating a sealed compartment that maintains water resistance even when inverted or compressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof liner utilizes composite material construction, specifically laminated materials combining fabric (such as nylon) with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating. This composite structure provides both flexibility for portability and water resistance, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability in waterproofing.
2Temperature
If insulation material is used to maintain temperature stability, then temperature control is improved, but water resistance deteriorates when the insulating layer is in direct contact with water
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is segmented into distinct functional layers: an outer shell, a waterproof liner (such as TPU-coated nylon), and an insulating layer (such as closed-cell foam). The waterproof liner acts as a barrier between the insulation and water, allowing the insulation to maintain temperature stability without direct water contact, thus preserving both temperature control and water resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof liner serves as an intermediary layer between the insulating material and the water/contents. This intermediate barrier allows the insulation to perform its thermal function while the liner maintains water resistance, resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and water resistance.
3Reliability
If a waterproof liner is secured to the closure and walls, then water resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof liner is designed to be secured to both the closure and the walls of the cooler, merging multiple sealing functions into a single continuous component. This approach improves water resistance by eliminating potential leak points at seams while the liner's flexible nature keeps the overall device simple and non-rigid.
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 at desired temperatures for extended periods, prevents liquid leakage in various orientations, and withstands pressure, ensuring the contents remain secure and insulated.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer floating freely in between the outer shell and the inner liner
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof closure, an outer shell, an inner liner... with a zipper assembly that is watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure also prevents any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.