Aerogel Laminate Structure for Thin Cryogenic Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal insulation materials, particularly those using resin foamed bodies, face challenges in achieving effective thermal insulation performance while maintaining a reduced thickness, and those used in cryogenic techniques require further enhancement in insulation performance without increasing thickness.

Innovation Solution

An aerogel laminate is developed by laminating an aerogel layer with a support having heat ray reflective or absorbing functions, where the aerogel layer is derived from polysiloxane or silica particles, enabling reduced thickness and enhanced thermal insulation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a resin foamed body is used as a thermal insulation material, then the material structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the thickness must be increased to achieve good thermal insulation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidthickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines aerogel particles (providing exceptional thermal insulation) with a resin matrix (providing structural support and ease of manufacture). This composite structure allows the material to achieve high thermal insulation performance in a thin layer while maintaining manufacturability through conventional composite material processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes aerogel particles which are highly porous materials with extremely low thermal conductivity. The porous structure of aerogel provides superior thermal insulation performance per unit thickness, resolving the contradiction between achieving good insulation and reducing thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Length of stationary object

If the thickness of thermal insulation material is reduced, then the space for disposing insulation material is reduced and handling is easier, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidthermal insulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a composite material combining aerogel particles with resin, the patent achieves high thermal insulation performance in a thin configuration. The aerogel particles provide exceptional insulation properties that compensate for the reduced thickness, while the resin matrix maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating aerogel particles with specific properties (extremely low thermal conductivity, high porosity) into the insulation material, thereby achieving superior thermal insulation performance at reduced thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional thermal insulation materials are used in cryogenic applications, then the material is simple to handle, but thermal insulation performance is insufficient for enhanced energy saving requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidthermal insulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite material combining aerogel particles with resin matrix that provides enhanced thermal insulation performance suitable for cryogenic applications. The composite structure maintains ease of handling while achieving the superior insulation performance required for energy saving in cryogenic environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 aerogel laminate achieves high thermal insulation performance with reduced thickness, offering improved handling properties and flexibility, suitable for applications in cryogenic and superconductive fields.

Implementation Method 1

an aerogel layer and a support having a heat ray reflective function or a heat ray absorbing function are laminated in the thickness direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a support having a heat ray reflective function or a heat ray absorbing function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat ray reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a support having a heat ray reflective function or a heat ray absorbing function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3251830B1Aerogel laminate and thermal insulation material
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 RESONAC CORP
  • EP3251830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3251830B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3251830B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an aerogel laminate having a structure in which an aerogel layer and a support having a heat ray reflective function or a heat ray absorbing function are laminated.