Insulating device and method for forming insulating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers lack an effective solution for maintaining contents at desired temperatures while being portable and waterproof, as they often suffer from temperature retention issues and leakage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a waterproof closure, an outer shell, an inner liner, and a free-floating insulating layer between the two, with the insulating layer being formed from materials like NBR/PVC foam to maintain temperature and prevent liquid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional coolers are designed for portability with rigid materials or fabric, then mobility is improved, but temperature retention and waterproofing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is divided into distinct functional layers: an outer shell for structural support and portability, a middle insulating layer for thermal retention, and an inner waterproof liner for liquid containment. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler employs composite construction combining multiple materials with different properties: rigid or flexible outer shell material, foam insulation material, and waterproof liner material. This composite approach enables the device to simultaneously achieve portability, temperature retention, and waterproofing that single-material designs cannot accomplish.
2Strength
If conventional coolers use rigid materials for structure, then durability is improved, but portability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler design incorporates dynamic flexibility by allowing the insulating layer to move independently within the shell and liner structure. This dynamic configuration enables the cooler to be both durable when needed and flexible/portable when required, adapting its rigidity based on usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cooler have different mechanical properties: the outer shell provides rigid structural support where strength is needed, while the inner liner and insulating layer provide flexibility where portability is required. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between durability and portability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional coolers are designed without waterproof closure, then ease of access is improved, but water resistance and leakage prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof closure acts as an intermediary element between the opening and the waterproof liner, providing a sealed connection that maintains water resistance while allowing controlled access to contents. The closure mechanism mediates between the need for easy access and the requirement for waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof liner utilizes flexible thin film material that can be sealed by the closure mechanism, providing effective waterproofing while maintaining the flexibility needed for portability and ease of use. The flexible film allows the closure to create a reliable seal without compromising overall device flexibility.
4Stability of the object's composition
If insulating layer is attached to shell and liner, then structural stability is improved, but insulation effectiveness and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift position within the cooler structure. This dynamic configuration maintains thermal effectiveness by preserving air gaps and insulation integrity while enabling the cooler to adapt to different handling and storage conditions, improving both portability and temperature retention.
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
This configuration effectively keeps contents cool or warm for an extended period and prevents water from entering or exiting the insulating device, even when inverted, demonstrating improved temperature retention and water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell
Implementation Method 2
The closure can include a waterproof zipper assembly
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 may also prevent 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 that is substantially impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.