System to hold multiple beverage containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage container systems struggle to efficiently hold and maintain multiple containers at desired temperatures, especially in outdoor settings where refrigeration is not available, and are often cumbersome or difficult to carry.
Innovation Solution
A soft-sided cooler system with a multi-layer design incorporating a flexible insulation layer, stretch fabric beverage sleeves, and a convertible exterior panel, along with a base that includes a draining geometry and interchangeable components, allows for effective temperature retention and easy handling of multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooler is designed with thick insulation to maintain beverage temperature, then temperature retention is improved, but weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler employs a multi-layer composite construction combining rigid insulation layers with flexible insulation layers. The rigid insulation (such as foam) provides primary thermal resistance, while the flexible insulation layer (such as reflective foil or aerated material) adds supplementary insulation without significant weight increase. This composite approach achieves effective temperature retention while maintaining lighter weight compared to using thick rigid insulation alone.
2Temperature
If a cooler is designed with rigid structure to maintain shape and insulation, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but ease of carrying and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler incorporates a flexible outer shell that can be folded or collapsed when not in use, dramatically improving portability and ease of carrying. The flexible insulation layer is integrated between the rigid and outer flexible layers, maintaining insulation effectiveness while allowing the overall structure to be compressed or folded for transport. This flexible shell design resolves the contradiction between maintaining rigid structure for insulation and enabling easy carrying.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cooler is designed with multiple compartments and features to hold various containers, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is divided into multiple compartments separated by flexible dividers that can be repositioned or removed. This segmentation allows the interior space to be customized for different container sizes and types (bottles, cans, cups) without requiring complex fixed structures. The flexible dividers provide adaptability while keeping the overall design simple and easy to manufacture.
4Temperature
If a cooler is designed with fixed structure to maintain insulation integrity, then insulation performance is improved, but adaptability to different container configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler employs dynamic, flexible interior elements including movable dividers and adjustable shelving that can be reconfigured based on container size and arrangement. These flexible interior components are integrated within the rigid insulated shell, allowing the interior layout to adapt to different container configurations while the outer rigid structure maintains insulation integrity. This dynamic design enables both insulation performance and configuration adaptability.
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 system effectively keeps beverages at desired temperatures, is lightweight and easy to carry, and allows for easy access and dispensing of contents without compromising insulation, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Implementation Method 1
A soft-sided cooler system with a multi-layer design incorporating a flexible insulation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for holding multiple beverage containers may include a cooler or carrier with toting handles, closing tabs, and base. The base may be formed from a molded plastic, rubber or synthetic rubber material. The base may also include feet that hold the base a sufficient height from the ground. The base may have a generally conic tapering drain floor that makes up its top surface. The tapering drain floor may make draining the carrier easier by directing water toward a drain hole located in the base. Extending up from the base may be a multi-layer soft-sided wall where different layers perform different desired functions. For example, an inside layer closest to the internal cavity may be a waterproof layer, a middle layer may be an insulating layer, and an external layer may be a decorative layer.