Double-layer heat preservation water pan for air cooler

By designing a double-layer insulation water connection tray for the air cooler, the problem of melt frost water overflow when the air cooler is defrosted by the medium-temperature reservoir, and the vibration-absorbing structure reduces noise and vibration, achieving a safer and quieter operating environment.

CN119412873APending Publication Date: 2025-02-11ELITE IND (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411692436.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2025-02-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The melt frost water generated by the cold air fan of the medium-temperature reservoir overflows, causing the ground to be slippery and affecting safety. The single-layer water connection plate has poor effect on reducing noise and vibration.

Method used

A double-layer insulation water connection tray for a cold fan is designed. By installing the second water connection tray inside the first water connection tray, a double-layer structure is formed, a water storage capacity is increased and a shock absorbing structure is provided to reduce noise and vibration.

Benefits of technology

It effectively avoids overflow of melt frost, keeps the ground dry and safe, and reduces noise and vibration during the operation of the fan.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119412873A_ABST
    Figure CN119412873A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention discloses a double-layer heat preservation water pan for an air cooler, and relates to the field of air coolers. The double-layer water pan structure is arranged at the lower end of the air cooler shell and used for receiving defrosting water generated by the air cooler, and a water drainage pipe used for water drainage is arranged at the lower end of the double-layer water pan structure. The double-layer water pan structure comprises a first water pan fixedly connected with the air cooler shell, and a second water pan is fixedly connected to the upper half portion of the interior of the first water pan in an inserted mode. A water outlet penetrating through the second water pan is formed in the end, away from the drainage pipe, of the second water pan. The damping structures are arranged at the lower end of the second water pan in an array mode, gaps for the damping structures to move are reserved between the damping structures and the bottom of the first water pan, and the damping structures are used for reducing damping and noise reduction when the air cooler works. The hidden danger that when the medium-temperature warehouse air cooler defrosts, defrosting water overflows, and defrosting water drops on goods is avoided, and the double-layer heat preservation water pan can effectively reduce noise and vibration when the air cooler operates.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of air coolers, and in particular to a double-layer heat-insulating water receiving pan for air coolers. Background Art

[0002] The medium temperature warehouse air cooler will produce defrost water during operation. If the defrost water is not handled in time, it will not only flow to the ground, making the ground slippery and affecting the safety of the staff, but also may cause damage to the items in the warehouse. The water tray can effectively collect the defrost water and prevent it from dripping randomly, thus keeping the ground dry and safe.

[0003] When the existing medium-temperature cold storage air cooler defrosts, it will produce a lot of defrost water. The standard single-layer insulation water tray is not deep enough, and the defrost water may overflow and flow into the cold storage room, causing the goods to get wet.

[0004] At the same time, the single-layer water tray has a poor effect on reducing noise and vibration when the air cooler is running. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to improve the problem of poor water collection effect and poor noise and vibration reduction effect, the present application provides a double-layer heat-insulating water collection pan for an air cooler.

[0006] The double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine provided in the present application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A double-layer heat-insulating water tray for an air cooler, comprising an air cooler housing;

[0008] The double-layer water receiving pan structure is arranged at the lower end of the air cooler housing and is used to receive the defrosted water generated by the air cooler. A drainage pipe for drainage is arranged at the lower end of the double-layer water receiving pan structure;

[0009] The double-layer water receiving pan structure comprises a first water receiving pan fixedly connected to the air cooler housing, a second water receiving pan being inserted and fixedly connected to the upper half of the interior of the first water receiving pan; a water outlet penetrating the second water receiving pan is arranged at one end of the second water receiving pan away from the drain pipe;

[0010] The shock absorbing structure array is arranged at the lower end of the second water receiving tray and a gap is left between the bottom of the first water receiving tray for the shock absorbing structure to move. The shock absorbing structure is used to reduce the vibration and noise when the air cooler is working;

[0011] The sides of the second water receiving tray and the first water receiving tray are both arranged to be retracted at the lower ends, and the surrounding surfaces of the second water receiving tray are in contact with the surrounding surfaces of the upper half of the first water receiving tray.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, a double-layer water tray can be realized by splicing the second water tray with the first water tray, which increases the water storage capacity and effectively prevents the overflow of defrost water and damage to the goods. At the same time, the shock-absorbing mechanism can consume the energy of the air cooler when it is working and reduce noise and vibration.

[0013] Preferably, the double-layer water receiving tray structure further comprises buckles arranged in an array on the upper end of one side wall of the first water receiving tray, and an ear plate arranged in an array on the upper end of one side wall of the first water receiving tray away from the buckles is fixed to the air cooler housing by screws.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the arrangement of the buckle and the ear plate can achieve quick disassembly and assembly, saving maintenance and replacement time.

[0015] Preferably, a slot for engaging with the buckle is formed at the lower end of the cooling fan housing on one side of the buckle.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the buckle and the slot can be quickly disassembled and assembled, the structure is economical and uncomplicated, and it is conducive to production and manufacturing.

[0017] Preferably, a barrier strip for supporting the second water receiving tray is fixedly provided in an array around the inner wall of the first water receiving tray.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the baffle can support and limit the second water receiving tray, so that there is space between the second water receiving tray and the first water receiving tray for installing the shock absorbing mechanism and storing defrost water.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom of the second water receiving tray is inclined toward the water outlet, and the bottom of the first water receiving tray is inclined toward the drain pipe.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the inclined setting can prevent water from accumulating inside the second water receiving tray and the first water receiving tray, thus achieving a good diversion effect.

[0021] Preferably, the shock absorbing structure comprises a movable seat fixed in an array at the lower end of the second water receiving tray, and a connecting plate is provided at the lower end of the movable seat through rotation of an axis.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the movable seat plays a role of connection and fixing, and at the same time the connecting plate can rotate with axis 1 as the rotation axis to achieve rotation in two directions.

[0023] Preferably, the shock absorbing structure further comprises an upper hemisphere, an arc-shaped opening for the connecting plate to movably pass through is provided in the middle of the upper end of the upper hemisphere, and the lower end of the connecting plate is rotatably arranged with the upper hemisphere via shaft 2.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the connecting plate rotates in the arc-shaped opening to realize rotation in two other directions. At the same time, the connecting plate can be limited so that the upper hemisphere can realize multi-angle rotation, converting the vibration energy into potential energy.

[0025] Preferably, an arc-shaped plate for blocking is fixed to the upper part of the inner cavity of the upper hemisphere, and a movable gap is left between the upper end of the arc-shaped plate and the connecting plate.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the arc-shaped plate has a separation effect to prevent water vapor from entering between the upper hemisphere and the lower hemisphere and preventing it from mixing with fine sand.

[0027] Preferably, an external threaded ring is fixed around the lower end of the upper hemisphere, and the external threaded ring is engaged with the lower hemisphere. The outer diameter of the lower hemisphere is the same as that of the upper hemisphere, and the interior of the lower hemisphere is filled with fine sand for shock absorption and buffering.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper hemisphere and the lower hemisphere are connected to form a complete sphere through the external thread ring thread, which is convenient for disassembly and installation. At the same time, the fine sand has the effect of consuming vibration energy.

[0029] Preferably, the second water receiving tray is made of the same material as the first water receiving tray, the inner wall and the outer wall of the first water receiving tray are set as a supporting shell, the supporting shell is set as stainless steel, the space between the two supporting shells is filled with a sound-absorbing insulation layer, and the surfaces of the two supporting shells in contact with water are coated with an antibacterial layer.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, the corrosion resistance and heat preservation performance of the first water receiving tray and the second water receiving tray can be increased.

[0031] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0032] 1. The second water tray is installed inside the first water tray, thereby realizing a double-layer water tray, which increases the water storage capacity and thermal insulation performance, and solves the hidden danger of defrost water overflowing when the air cooler in the medium-temperature warehouse defrosts, resulting in defrost water dripping onto the goods. At the same time, the double-layer water tray can also effectively reduce the noise and vibration of the air cooler during operation;

[0033] 2. With the help of the shock-absorbing structure, the vibration energy generated by the air cooler can be converted into potential energy for consumption, thereby reducing the vibration energy and reducing the vibration of the air cooler and the noise generated during vibration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the double-layer water tray structure and the air cooler housing of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the separation of the first water receiving tray and the second water receiving tray of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the double-layer water tray structure of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the interior of the first water receiving tray of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 This is an axial schematic diagram of the shock absorbing structure of the present application;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the separation of the shock absorbing structure of the present application;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional connection between the upper hemisphere and the connecting plate of the present application;

[0042] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the side wall structure of the first water receiving tray of the present application.

[0043] Reference numerals: 1, air cooler housing;

[0044] 2. Double-layer water tray structure; 201. First water tray; 202. Second water tray; 203. Buckle; 204. Water outlet; 205. Ear plate; 206. Baffle;

[0045] 3. shock-absorbing structure; 301. movable seat; 302. axis 1; 303. connecting plate; 304. arc-shaped mouth; 305. upper hemisphere; 306. lower hemisphere; 307. axis 2; 308. arc-shaped plate; 309. external thread ring; 310. fine sand;

[0046] 4. Drain pipe; 5. Card slot;

[0047] 2011, antibacterial layer; 2012, supporting shell; 2013, thermal insulation layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The following is combined with Figure 1-Figure 9 This application is described in further detail.

[0049] The embodiment of the present application discloses a double-layer heat-insulating water receiving pan for an air cooler.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 A double-layer heat-insulating water receiving tray for an air cooler includes an air cooler housing 1; an evaporator, a fan and other structures are arranged inside the air cooler housing 1, thereby forming a complete structure of the air cooler.

[0051] The double-layer water receiving tray structure 2 is arranged at the lower end of the air cooler housing 1 and is used to receive the defrost water generated by the air cooler to prevent the defrost water from overflowing when the air cooler defrosts. The double-layer thermal insulation water receiving tray can also effectively reduce the noise and vibration of the air cooler during operation. The lower end of the double-layer water receiving tray structure 2 is provided with a drain pipe 4 connected to the external main water pipe and used for drainage. The outer surface of the drain pipe 4 is provided with an external thread for easy connection with the external main water pipe.

[0052] Reference Figure 1-Figure 5 The double-layer water receiving tray structure 2 includes a first water receiving tray 201 fixedly connected to the cooling fan housing 1, and a second water receiving tray 202 is fixedly connected to the upper half of the first water receiving tray 201; after the second water receiving tray 202 is inserted into the first water receiving tray 201, the upper end surface of the second water receiving tray 202 is flush with the upper end surface of the first water receiving tray 201, and the second water receiving tray 202 is provided with a long strip of water outlet 204 at one end away from the drain pipe 4, and the water outlet 204 passes through the second water receiving tray 202. The double-layer water receiving tray structure 2 also includes an array of buckles 203 fixedly arranged on the upper end of one side wall of the first water receiving tray 201, and the buckles 203 are at least set to 3, and the shape of the buckles 203 is the prior art, and the specific shape can also be referred to in the attached Figure 3 A plurality of ear plates 205 are arranged in an array on the upper end of a side wall of the first water receiving tray 201 away from the buckle 203. The plurality of ear plates 205 are threadedly fixed to the air cooler housing 1 by screws. A slot 5 is provided at the lower end of the air cooler housing 1 on the side of the buckle 203. The slot 5 is fixedly engaged with the buckle 203 to suspend and fix the first water receiving tray 201. A plurality of retaining bars 206 are fixed in an array around the inner wall of the first water receiving tray 201. The retaining bars 206 are used to support the second water receiving tray 202 and abut against the bottom of the second water receiving tray 202.

[0053] The user first puts the second water receiving tray 202 into the first water receiving tray 201 and contacts the stop bar 206. Then, the user inserts the head side of the buckle 203 into the slot 5 of the air cooler housing 1 at an angle and then makes the buckle 203 vertically downward. At this time, the ear plate 205 will fit with the surface of the air cooler housing 1. At the same time, after the first water receiving tray 201 is flush with the horizontal plane, the lower end surface of the air cooler housing 1 just covers the connection between the second water receiving tray 202 and the upper end surface of the first water receiving tray 201, thereby achieving alignment. The second water receiving pan 202 is tightly fixed to prevent the second water receiving pan 202 from moving when the air cooler is working. Subsequently, the defrost water generated when the medium-temperature air cooler is working flows into the second water receiving pan 202, and then flows into the first water receiving pan 201 through the water outlet 204 and is discharged through the drain pipe 4. The internal storage space of the second water receiving pan 202 and the internal storage space of the first water receiving pan 201 increase the capacity for storing defrost water, thereby effectively preventing defrost water from overflowing and avoiding the hidden danger of defrost water dripping onto the goods.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 The bottom of the second water receiving tray 202 is inclined toward the water outlet 204, and the bottom of the first water receiving tray 201 is inclined toward the drain pipe 4.

[0055] The inclined setting can guide the flow of the defrost water so that the defrost water can flow out better and avoid accumulation.

[0056] Reference Figure 4-Figure 7 The shock absorbing structure 3 is arranged in an array at the lower end of the second water receiving tray 202. A gap is left between the lower end of the shock absorbing structure 3 and the bottom of the first water receiving tray 201 for the shock absorbing structure 3 to move. The gap distance can be 2-5mm. The shock absorbing structure 3 is used to reduce the shock absorption and noise reduction of the air cooler during operation. The shock absorbing structure 3 includes a movable seat 301 fixed in an array at the lower end of the second water receiving tray 202. A mounting groove is provided in the middle of the lower end of the movable seat 301. A shaft 302 is fixed at both ends of the mounting groove. The middle of the shaft 302 is movably interlaced with the upper end of the connecting plate 303. The shock absorbing structure 3 also includes an upper half Ball 305, an arc-shaped opening 304 is opened in the middle of the upper end of the upper hemisphere 305, and the connecting plate 303 movably passes through the arc-shaped opening 304. The length of the arc-shaped opening 304 is set so that the maximum rotation angle of the upper hemisphere 305 is within 120 degrees. The lower end of the connecting plate 303 is movably interspersed with the second shaft 307, and the two ends of the second shaft 307 are rotatably set on both sides of the inner wall of the upper hemisphere 305. An arc-shaped plate 308 for blocking is fixed to the upper part of the inner cavity of the upper hemisphere 305. The periphery of the arc-shaped plate 308 is completely welded and fixed to the inner wall of the upper hemisphere 305, and a movable gap is left between the upper end of the arc-shaped plate 308 and the connecting plate 303.

[0057] The vibration generated when the air cooler is working will be transmitted to the second water receiving tray 202 and the first water receiving tray 201 through the buckle 203 and the ear plate 205. At the same time, the vibration force will be transmitted to the movable seat 301 and then drive the upper hemisphere 305 to rotate. When the upper hemisphere 305 rotates, the arc-shaped opening 304 will limit the connecting plate 303, so that the connecting plate 303 rotates with the axis 1 302 as the rotation axis, which can effectively reduce the vibration of the second water receiving tray 202 and the first water receiving tray 201 and thus reduce the vibration and noise of the air cooler when it is working.

[0058] The lower end of the connecting plate 303 moves inside the arc-shaped opening 304 and rotates with the second axis 307 as the rotation axis, so that the upper hemisphere 305 can rotate in four directions through the first axis 302 and the second axis 307, thereby improving the shock absorption and noise reduction effects.

[0059] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8An external threaded ring 309 is fixed around the lower end of the upper hemisphere 305, and the outer diameter of the external threaded ring 309 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper hemisphere 305. An internal thread is provided on the inner ring part of the upper end of the lower hemisphere 306, and the external threaded ring 309 is meshed and fixed with the internal thread inside the lower hemisphere 306. The outer diameter of the lower hemisphere 306 is the same as that of the upper hemisphere 305 to form a complete sphere. The lower hemisphere 306 is filled with fine sand 310 for shock absorption and buffering attraction. The fine sand 310 is only filled in the lower hemisphere 306. The gap between the fine sand 310 can effectively absorb the energy of the vibration, and at the same time effectively reduce the noise of the fan. The second water receiving tray 202 is made of the same material as the first water receiving tray 201 and is made of stainless steel to increase corrosion resistance.

[0060] The user first fills the lower hemisphere 306 with fine sand 310. It should be noted that the fine sand 310 cannot overflow to the inner thread. Then, the user fixes several lower hemispheres 306 filled with fine sand 310 to the lower end of the upper hemisphere 305 through threaded connections. When vibrated, the fine sand 310 will jump up to consume energy, thereby achieving a shock-absorbing effect.

[0061] The inner wall and the outer wall of the first water receiving tray 201 are set as the supporting shell 2012, and the inner wall and the outer wall of the second water receiving tray 202 are set as the supporting shell 2012. The supporting shell 2012 is set to be made of stainless steel. The space between the two supporting shells 2012 is filled with a sound-absorbing insulation layer 2013. The insulation layer 2013 adopts the existing technology to achieve the effect of sound insulation and heat insulation. The surface of the supporting shell 2012 of the first water receiving tray 201 and the second water receiving tray 202 that is in contact with water is coated with an antibacterial layer 2011. The antibacterial layer 2011 can be an anti-adhesion antibacterial layer, a bactericidal antibacterial layer, and an inorganic antibacterial agent coating, etc., and the specific needs are selected according to actual needs.

[0062] The setting of the supporting shell 2012 can provide a lot of structural support to increase the strength of the structure while increasing the corrosion resistance. The setting of the thermal insulation layer 2013 can increase the ability of heat insulation and sound insulation. In winter, the thermal insulation layer 2013 can reduce the heat loss of defrosted water and avoid freezing to achieve the effect of heat preservation. At the same time, the setting of the antibacterial layer 2011 can kill bacteria in the water to prevent bacteria from growing when water accumulates.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 The sides of the second water receiving tray 202 and the first water receiving tray 201 are both configured to be retracted at the lower ends, and the surrounding surfaces of the second water receiving tray 202 are in contact with the surrounding surfaces of the upper half of the first water receiving tray 201.

[0064] The implementation principle of a double-layer insulated water tray for an air cooler in an embodiment of the present application is as follows: the defrosted water generated when the air cooler is working flows into the second water tray 202 and flows, flows into the first water tray 201 through the water outlet 204, and then flows into the drain pipe 4 and is discharged. The double-layer water tray design can insulate the water inside the first water tray 201 to prevent solidification.

[0065] At the same time, the vibration generated when the air cooler is working is transmitted to the first water receiving tray 201 and the second water receiving tray 202 and then to the movable seat 301. The movable seat 301 drives the upper hemisphere 305 and the lower hemisphere 306 to rotate about axis 1 302 and axis 2 307 respectively, thereby realizing energy consumption. The fine sand 310 inside it is also subjected to the energy effect of the vibration action, which effectively reduces the vibration of the air cooler when it is working and the noise generated by the vibration.

[0066] The above are only optional embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine, characterized in that: It comprises a cooling fan housing (1); The double-layer water receiving pan structure (2) is arranged at the lower end of the air cooler housing (1) and is used to receive defrosted water generated by the air cooler. A drainage pipe (4) for drainage is arranged at the lower end of the double-layer water receiving pan structure (2); The double-layer water receiving pan structure (2) comprises a first water receiving pan (201) fixedly connected to the air cooler housing (1); a second water receiving pan (202) is plugged and fixedly connected to the upper half of the interior of the first water receiving pan (201); and a water outlet (204) penetrating the second water receiving pan (202) is provided at one end of the second water receiving pan (202) away from the drain pipe (4); The shock absorbing structure (3) array is arranged at the lower end of the second water receiving tray (202) and a gap is left with the bottom of the first water receiving tray (201) for the shock absorbing structure (3) to move. The shock absorbing structure (3) is used to reduce the shock and noise when the air cooler is working. The sides of the second water receiving tray (202) and the first water receiving tray (201) are both arranged to be retracted at the lower ends, and the surrounding surfaces of the second water receiving tray (202) are in contact with the surrounding surfaces of the upper half of the first water receiving tray (201).

2. A double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The double-layer water receiving tray structure (2) further comprises buckles (203) arranged in an array on the upper end of a side wall of the first water receiving tray (201), and an ear plate (205) arranged in an array on the upper end of a side wall of the first water receiving tray (201) away from the buckles (203) and fixed to the air cooler housing (1) by means of screws.

3. A double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A clamping groove (5) for clamping with the clamping buckle (203) is provided at the lower end of the cooling air machine housing (1) on one side of the clamping buckle (203).

4. The double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the first water receiving tray (201) is provided with a blocking bar (206) in an array around the periphery thereof for supporting the second water receiving tray (202).

5. The double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the second water receiving tray (202) is inclined toward the water outlet (204), and the bottom of the first water receiving tray (201) is inclined toward the drain pipe (4).

6. The double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shock absorbing structure (3) comprises a movable seat (301) fixed in array at the lower end of the second water receiving tray (202), and a connecting plate (303) is provided at the lower end of the movable seat (301) for rotation via shaft 1 (302).

7. A double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shock absorbing structure (3) further comprises an upper hemisphere (305), wherein an arc-shaped opening (304) is provided in the middle of the upper end of the upper hemisphere (305) for the connecting plate (303) to movably pass through, and the lower end of the connecting plate (303) is rotatably arranged with the upper hemisphere (305) via a second shaft (307).

8. The double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: An arc-shaped plate (308) for blocking is fixed to the upper part of the inner cavity of the upper hemisphere (305), and a movable gap is left between the upper end of the arc-shaped plate (308) and the connecting plate (303).

9. A double-layer heat-insulating water tray for an air cooler according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: An external threaded ring (309) is fixed around the lower end of the upper hemisphere (305), and the external threaded ring (309) is meshed with a lower hemisphere (306). The outer diameter of the lower hemisphere (306) is the same as that of the upper hemisphere (305), and the interior of the lower hemisphere (306) is filled with fine sand (310) for shock absorption and buffering.

10. The double-layer heat-insulating water tray for a cold air machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second water receiving tray (202) is made of the same material as the first water receiving tray (201); the inner wall and the outer wall of the first water receiving tray (201) are arranged as a supporting shell (2012); the supporting shell (2012) is arranged to be made of stainless steel; the space between the two supporting shells (2012) is filled with a sound-absorbing heat-insulating layer (2013); and the surfaces of the two supporting shells (2012) in contact with water are coated with an antibacterial layer (2011).