Bolt-On Vacuum Insulation Panel Assembly for Replaceable Container Linings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) in thermally insulated shipping containers face challenges such as difficulty in secure mounting, reduced thermal insulation due to gaps, and limited lifespan, leading to complex and costly replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-on thermal insulation panel assembly integrating a hermetically sealed vacuum insulation panel with a layer of rigid foam insulation and mechanical fasteners, allowing for secure and easy attachment and detachment, providing a complete lining without compromising the vacuum integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pass-through fasteners are used to secure VIPs, then mounting is simplified, but the vacuum sealed nature of VIPs prevents effective fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is divided into separate components: a VIP panel and a separate mounting bracket assembly. The bracket can be attached to the VIP edge without compromising the vacuum seal, allowing traditional fasteners to secure the bracket to the container wall while the VIP remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket or frame acts as an intermediary between the VIP and the container wall. This intermediary component provides attachment points for fasteners while the VIP itself remains vacuum-sealed, resolving the conflict between fastening requirements and vacuum integrity.
2Ease of operation
If through-holes are formed in VIPs for fastener passage, then traditional fasteners can be used, but vacuum integrity is compromised and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the VIP body itself and placed in a separate mounting bracket or frame. This allows through-holes to be formed in the bracket rather than the VIP, preserving vacuum integrity while enabling traditional fastener installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary that carries the fastening holes and fasteners, allowing the VIP to remain intact and vacuum-sealed while still enabling secure attachment to the container structure.
3Ease of operation
If foam insulation is used to mount VIPs with traditional fasteners, then fastening is enabled, but large gaps between VIPs reduce thermal insulating value
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented so that fasteners attach to a frame or bracket structure rather than relying on foam margins. This allows VIPs to be positioned edge-to-edge or with minimal spacing, maintaining continuous thermal insulation while enabling secure fastening through the frame.
4Loss of energy
If VIPs are securely mounted to prevent gaps, then thermal insulation is improved, but replacement and refurbishment become complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into modular VIP panels that can be independently removed and replaced. Mounting brackets or frames provide secure attachment while allowing quick detachment, enabling easy replacement of individual VIPs without affecting the entire insulation system or requiring complex disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system provides dynamic security - firmly holding VIPs in place during transport to prevent gaps and maintain insulation, while allowing quick and easy removal when replacement is needed. This is achieved through reversible fastening mechanisms on mounting brackets.
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 solution enables quick and cost-effective replacement of VIPs, maintaining thermal insulation integrity by allowing for a solid lining and reducing the need for frequent replacements, thus ensuring efficient temperature control during the transport of thermally labile goods.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) are the generally preferred form of thermal insulation in such shipping container as they provide superior thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
a layer of rigid foam insulation with a plurality of mechanical fasteners secured to the layer of rigid foam insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt-on thermal insulation panel assembly, shipping container constructed from such thermal insulation panel assemblies, method of assembling and method of using to transport thermally labile goods. The thermal insulation panel assembly includes a solid vacuum insulation panel with a superimposed layer of rigid foam insulation having a plurality of mechanical fasteners secured to the layer of rigid foam insulation.