Vacuum-Insulated Container with Glass Insert to Prevent Metal Leaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated containers for food and beverages face issues such as temperature maintenance, condensation leading to slipperiness, and potential metal leaching into contents, particularly with metallic containers.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-insulated container with a double-walled structure made of metal, featuring a removable glass insert and a deformable flange for secure placement, which prevents direct contact with the metal and maintains temperature through evacuated air gaps, reducing condensation and metal exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a metallic container is used for insulation, then temperature maintenance is improved, but metal leaching into food or beverage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a glass insert as an intermediary barrier between the metallic container and the beverage/food. The glass insert prevents direct contact between the metal container walls and the contents, thereby eliminating metal leaching while preserving the thermal insulation properties of the metal container. The glass insert acts as a mediator that allows heat transfer control through the container walls while blocking harmful metal ion migration into the contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system combines two different materials with complementary properties: a metallic outer container providing thermal insulation and structural strength, and a glass inner insert providing chemical inertness and preventing metal leaching. This composite structure leverages the advantages of both materials while mitigating their individual disadvantages.
2Temperature
If ice is added to cool beverages, then temperature is improved, but beverage dilution occurs after ice melts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ice from the beverage container entirely by providing a separate ice compartment or external ice holder. This allows the beverage to be cooled through thermal contact with the cold container walls or through condensation on the exterior, without introducing ice cubes that would melt and dilute the beverage. The cooling function is extracted from the beverage chamber itself.
3Temperature
If a metallic container is used, then insulative properties are improved, but condensation forms on external surface making it slippery
Solution Approach 1:
The glass insert serves as an intermediary layer between the metallic container and the external environment. Since glass has different thermal and condensation properties compared to metal, it reduces the formation of condensation on the external surface. The glass material allows for better moisture management and reduces the temperature differential that causes condensation, thereby preventing the slippery condition.
4Temperature
If hot food or beverage is placed in container, then temperature maintenance is improved, but container becomes too hot for user's hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into distinct thermal zones: an inner chamber for holding hot contents, an intermediate insulation layer (vacuum or air gap), and an outer chamber for user contact. This segmentation creates a thermal gradient that allows the inner surface to remain hot for content maintenance while the outer surface remains at a safe temperature for hand contact. The insulation layer acts as a thermal barrier separating the hot and cold zones.
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
Effectively maintains temperature of both hot and cold contents while preventing condensation and metal leaching, enhancing user safety and hygiene by keeping lips away from the metal surface.
Implementation Method 1
The double-walled structure is vacuum-insulated
Implementation Method 2
maintains the temperature of hot or cold food and/or beverages contained therein
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2
AI summary
An insulated container for food particulate and beverages is described. The insulated container includes a double-walled structure composed of a metal, and a glass structure arranged within a hollow interior of the double-walled structure. The glass structure includes a body and a sipping portion extending from the body. The sipping portion isolates the user's lips from contacting the double-walled structure. The glass structure may be repeatably removed for cleaning or replacement. The insulated structure includes a deformable flange that secures the glass structure to the double-walled structure. The insulated container may be vacuum-insulated.