Insulated box assembly and temperature-regulating lid therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging perishable or temperature-sensitive items poses challenges as existing insulated packages are often bulky, difficult to store, and cannot be recycled, leading to environmental issues due to disposal in landfills, and fail to maintain temperature extremes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-regulating lid and insulated box assembly with a removable insulating lining that allows for efficient climate control and recycling, featuring a temperature-regulating insert and a design that enables easy assembly and use, ensuring the contents remain within a stable temperature range during storage or shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional insulated packaging is used to maintain temperature extremes, then temperature regulation is achieved, but the packaging becomes bulky and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated packaging is divided into separate components: an outer box, a removable insulating lining, and an inner box. This segmentation allows the insulating lining to be detached and stored separately when not in use, significantly reducing the packaging volume for storage while maintaining full insulation capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating lining is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, transitioning from a static insulated structure to a dynamic system where the insulation can be adjusted or removed based on needs. The lid can also be separated from the box body, enabling flexible configuration and compact storage.
2Temperature
If traditional insulated packaging is used, then temperature protection is provided, but the packaging cannot be recycled and is disposed of in landfills
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the packaging into separate components made from different materials (outer box from corrugated cardboard, insulating lining from foam or paper-based materials, inner box from cardboard), each component can be independently recycled through appropriate channels, improving overall recyclability compared to integrated packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and recycling of individual components. The insulating lining can be removed and recycled separately from the cardboard boxes, and the lid can be reused or recycled independently, maximizing material recovery and minimizing landfill disposal.
3Reliability
If insulated packaging is designed for temperature control, then contents are protected from temperature extremes, but the packaging becomes bulky and difficult to store prior to use
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into modular components that can be stored separately in a collapsed or compact state. The insulating lining can be folded or rolled, and the lid can be detached, allowing easy storage in small spaces while maintaining full protection capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating lining and other components are designed to collapse or fold into a compact form that occupies minimal three-dimensional space when not in use, transitioning from a voluminous protective structure to a flat or compressed storage configuration.
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 provides effective temperature regulation for sensitive items, reduces storage and disposal issues through recyclable materials, and enhances the usability of insulated boxes by making them more compact and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating lining positioned in the inner cavity between the outer box and the inner box
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly and a method for using an insulated box assembly are disclosed. The temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly can comprise a lid box comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the lid box defining a cavity; and a temperature-regulating insert positioned in the cavity.