Collapsible Thermal Insulation Liners With Leak-Proof Barrier Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation systems for temperature-sensitive goods lack reliable thermal performance over extended periods, are not leak-proof, require significant storage space, and are often made from non-environmentally friendly, cost-inefficient materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel thermal insulating liners comprising a flexible fibrous insulating layer, which can be compostable or made from recycled materials, combined with a barrier layer that is biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable, to provide effective thermal insulation while being environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional insulation materials (polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam) are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and cost-effectiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from conventional foam materials to natural fibrous materials (wool, cotton, hemp, flax) with specific thermal conductivity properties (0.03-0.07 W/mK), maintaining insulation performance while improving environmental compatibility through biodegradability and recyclability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining natural fibrous insulating material with a barrier layer (metalized film, foil, or coating) to achieve both thermal insulation and moisture/vapor protection, resolving the contradiction between performance and environmental friendliness
2Reliability
If rigid insulation structures are used, then thermal performance is improved, but storage space requirements increase and device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible fibrous insulation materials that can be conformally wrapped around containers of various shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for rigid pre-formed insulation structures and reducing storage space requirements while maintaining effective thermal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is divided into separable components (fibrous insulating layer and barrier layer) that can be independently packaged and assembled, allowing for compact storage and flexible deployment around different container geometries
3Ease of manufacture
If non-biodegradable materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but environmental impact increases and recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies thermal conductivity parameters (0.03-0.07 W/mK) for natural fibrous materials that match or exceed conventional foam materials, demonstrating that environmentally friendly materials can achieve comparable insulation performance at competitive manufacturing costs
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 thermal insulating liners achieve a thermal conductivity range of 0.01 W/mK to 0.1 W/mK, are leak-proof, require minimal storage space, and are fabricated from cost-competitive, environmentally-friendly materials, thus addressing the limitations of existing insulation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal insulating liner may have a thermal conductivity ranging from about 0.01 W/mK to about 0.1 W/mK
Implementation Method 2
The barrier may be transparent and/or hydrophobic
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are products, methods, and kits, for use in regulating the temperature of an object. The present invention relates to thermal insulating liners for regulating the temperature of perishable goods or temperature sensitive products. The thermal insulating liners generally may be dimensioned to fit within a container. The thermal insulating liners may be quickly collapsed and reconstructed to improve stackability and diminish the amount of space required to store the thermal insulating liners prior to use.