Biodegradable Heat-Shrinkable Window Insulation Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window films for insulation and condensation prevention are not recyclable, contributing to pollution, despite being effective for reducing heat transfer and condensation on windows and doors.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable, heat-shrinkable polyolefin film kit with an adhesive member is designed to provide insulation by forming an airtight seal on windows, which degrades after a predetermined period, allowing for environmentally friendly disposal and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional non-recyclable window films are used for insulation, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but environmental pollution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the window film from conventional non-recyclable polymers (polyolefins, polyvinyl chlorides) to biodegradable polymers. This parameter change maintains the insulation functionality while fundamentally altering the end-of-life environmental impact, allowing the film to degrade naturally and eliminate pollution accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable biodegradable film that is designed for limited service life (4-24 months) followed by natural degradation. Rather than attempting infinite recyclability, the solution accepts temporary use and planned obsolescence, where the film is replaced periodically and naturally decomposes, eliminating the need for recycling infrastructure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable film is used for window insulation, then environmental impact is reduced, but service duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic replacement of the biodegradable film every 4-24 months. Rather than attempting to extend service life indefinitely, the system is designed for regular cycling: installation, service period, removal, and natural degradation. This periodic action balances environmental benefits with functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dynamics to the window film system by using materials with time-dependent properties. The biodegradable film's performance characteristics change over time as it gradually degrades, and the system adapts by planning for replacement at specific intervals rather than treating the film as a permanent installation.
3Loss of energy
If heat-shrinkable film is used to form airtight seal, then insulation performance is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of heat-shrinkable polymer from a relaxed state to a contracted state when exposed to heat. The film is installed in its unshrunk state, allowing easy positioning and adhesion, then heat is applied to trigger contraction and formation of the airtight seal. This phase transition simplifies installation by separating the positioning step from the sealing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary adhesion before the heat-shrinkage action. The film is first attached to the window frame using adhesive in its unshrunk state, ensuring proper positioning and coverage. Only after this preliminary action is complete is heat applied to trigger the shrinkage and form the final airtight seal, preventing positioning errors.
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 biodegradable film effectively insulates windows for at least four months before degradation, maintaining an airtight seal and reducing condensation, while ensuring a smaller environmental footprint at the end of its service life through controlled biodegradation.
Implementation Method 1
being heat shrinkable such that when a stream of heated air is supplied to the sheet of biodegradable, polyolefin film, the biodegradable, polyolefin film contracts to form an airtight seal
Implementation Method 2
a adhesive member and a sheet of insulating, biodegradable, polyolefin film sized to be mounted to the at least one surface of the window frame by the adhesive member
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, an insulation kit for insulating an interior side of a window is provided. The window includes a window pane and a window frame having a window aperture in which the window pane is mounted, and at least one surface on the interior side of the window which extends around an exterior edge of the window aperture. The insulation kit includes a adhesive member and a sheet of insulating, biodegradable film sized to be mounted to a surface of the window frame by the adhesive member so as to cover the window aperture, and being heat shrinkable to form an airtight seal, insulating the window pane on the interior side of the window. The sheet of film is constructed to be mounted to the at least one surface of the window frame for a period of at least four months before degradation of the film occurs.