Cargo Cover Insulation with Phase Change Material and Porous Foam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo covers fail to effectively manage temperature fluctuations, moisture vapor permeability, and corrosion resistance, leading to inadequate protection for temperature-sensitive products during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A cargo cover comprising multiple flexible insulation laminates with a phase change material layer, a vapour permeable or impermeable outer layer, and an inner convection barrier layer, providing enhanced thermal resistance and moisture vapor transmission while preventing corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multi-layer bubble-wrap materials with reflective outer layers are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but heat transfer by convection occurs within the air bubbles and compressibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidconvection heat transfer within bubbles

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a porous foam material as the insulation core that eliminates convection by removing enclosed air bubbles. The porous structure provides thermal insulation through solid conduction and radiation blocking while allowing the material to be compressible and flexible for cargo cover applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material combining a porous foam insulation core with an outer layer containing infrared-reflective particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation and solar radiation reflection while maintaining flexibility and compressibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If reflective outer layers are used to reduce solar radiation, then thermal insulation is improved, but glare problems occur when handled in bright sunlight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar radiation attenuationVSAvoidglare

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses infrared-reflective particles dispersed in a polymer matrix that reflect solar radiation while maintaining a non-glare appearance. The reflective particles are integrated into the material structure rather than being a separate metallic layer, reducing glare while providing thermal protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Temperature

If moisture vapour impermeable materials are used for cargo covers, then thermal insulation is improved, but condensation occurs within the cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidcondensation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The porous foam material provides both thermal insulation and moisture vapor permeability. The interconnected pore structure allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water and providing thermal resistance, preventing condensation buildup within the cargo cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Temperature

If low-emissivity surfaces are used to reduce heat transfer, then thermal insulation is improved, but corrosion resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer reductionVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite outer layer with infrared-reflective particles in a polymer matrix that provides thermal reflection without the corrosion issues of metallic low-emissivity surfaces. The polymer matrix protects the reflective particles while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance.

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 solution effectively regulates temperature fluctuations, maintains moisture vapor permeability, and prevents corrosion, thereby ensuring the safe transportation of temperature-sensitive products.

Implementation Method 1

The first insulation laminate of the cargo cover comprises a phase change material layer including a flexible insulation material comprising a flexible porous medium defining a pore volume, and a solid/liquid phase change material (PCM) within the pore volume.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a solid/liquid phase change material (PCM) within the pore volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

a flexible insulation material comprising a flexible porous medium defining a pore volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

providing enhanced thermal resistance and moisture vapor transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor permeability: Permeation

Implementation Method 5

an inner convection barrier layer, providing enhanced thermal resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3576933B1Cargo cover and method for insulating a cargo by using the same

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 HUNT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

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AI summary

A flexible, vapour permeable cargo cover laminate comprising: an outer layer comprising a substrate bearing a coating, the coating having particles of infra-red reflective matter dispersed within a polymeric matrix and providing an exposed low-emissivity surface on an outward face of the outer layer; and a support layer laminated to an inward face of the outer layer. Other cargo laminates, cargo covers and methods of insulating cargo are also disclosed.