Vacuum Flask with Removable Cage for Multi-Container Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum flasks are limited in versatility, typically accommodating only a single type of container and lack the ability to securely hold and cool multiple types of liquid storage containers, such as infant bottles and milk bags, while maintaining temperature stability.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum flask design featuring a removable cage with flexible arms and slits to hold milk bags open, a dual cooling mechanism with a frozen puck and lid, and a cylindrical outer shell with a vacuum seal to maintain temperature, along with a handle for portability and anti-slip bottom cover for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional vacuum flask design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the versatility is limited and it cannot securely hold multiple types of liquid storage containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cage structure is designed to accommodate multiple types of liquid storage containers including infant bottles, milk bags, and other vessels through a universal holding mechanism. The cage includes arms with slits that can adapt to different container shapes and sizes, enabling one structure to serve multiple functions and secure various container types effectively
2Temperature
If a single cooling mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature stability and cooling effectiveness for multiple container types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate cooling elements including a frozen puck and a frozen lid that can independently cool different parts of the container. This segmentation allows each cooling element to target specific areas, improving temperature stability for various container types while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular cooling components
3Reliability
If milk bags are held in a conventional manner, then the structure is simple, but spills and contamination occur due to improper holding
Solution Approach 1:
The cage arms feature specific local structures including slits and gripping surfaces designed to hold milk bags securely in a specific orientation. These localized features provide the necessary grip and positioning to prevent spills and contamination, while the rest of the cage structure remains relatively simple and easy to manufacture
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 design allows for secure storage and cooling of various containers like infant bottles and milk bags, ensuring temperature stability and ease of use, minimizing spills and contamination, with enhanced portability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The core design of a vacuum flask consists of two containers, one nested within the other, with a vacuum separating them. The vacuum between these two containers acts as an effective insulator, minimizing heat transfer by conduction and convection.
Implementation Method 2
Additionally, the inner container is usually coated with a reflective material to further reduce heat loss through radiation.
Implementation Method 3
The cage is configured to receive a vessel for holding a liquid... and a puck filled with freezable liquid to cool the liquid in the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum flask including an outer shell, a cage removably coupled with the outer shell, and a bottom cover coupled to the cage. The bottom cover and outer shell enclose the internal cage when the cage is coupled with the outer shell. The cage is configured to receive a vessel for holding a liquid, an infant bottle, or one or more milk bags. In some examples, the vacuum flask may be used to store, one of a vessel (e.g., container) specified for storing a liquid, an infant bottle, or milk storage bags.