Corrugated Vacuum Cell Insulation for Thin Walls and Low Heat Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal insulation elements with evacuated double walls face a trade-off between structural integrity and insulating effectiveness, as increased wall thickness to withstand vacuum pressure compromises heat conduction.
Innovation Solution
The use of corrugated vacuum cells within insulating elements, which are produced by melting material, pressing it into an evacuated chamber, and stretching to reduce wall thickness, enhances bending flexibility and reduces weight/thickness while maintaining vacuum integrity, allowing for improved insulation without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wall thickness is increased to withstand vacuum pressure, then structural integrity is improved, but heat conduction increases and insulating effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies corrugation (curved surface structure) to the vacuum cell wall to enhance its mechanical strength and resistance to implosion pressure. The corrugated geometry provides structural reinforcement without requiring increased wall thickness, thus maintaining low thermal conductivity while withstanding vacuum loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin-walled vacuum cells with corrugated surfaces that provide sufficient mechanical strength through geometric design rather than material thickness. This allows the use of thin walls that minimize heat conduction while maintaining structural integrity under vacuum conditions.
2Loss of energy
If wall thickness is reduced to improve insulation, then heat conduction decreases, but structural ability to withstand vacuum pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated surface geometry provides mechanical reinforcement to thin walls, enabling them to withstand vacuum implosion pressures despite reduced thickness. The curved corrugation patterns distribute stress effectively, allowing thin-walled construction with adequate structural strength.
3Strength
If corrugation is added to increase structural strength, then vacuum cell robustness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the vacuum cell wall by introducing corrugation with specific dimensions and patterns. This geometric modification enhances structural strength while the corrugation design is optimized to be compatible with existing manufacturing processes like blow molding or extrusion, minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity.
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 approach results in lighter, thinner thermal insulation elements with enhanced insulating properties, improved robustness, and easier handling, while maintaining effective vacuum sealing and reduced thermal bridges.
Implementation Method 1
each vacuum cell (2) has a wall (3) with one or more corrugations (4)... the pressure inside the vacuum cell is less than 105 Pa, 102 Pa, 10−1 Pa, 10−2 Pa, or 10−4 Pa
Implementation Method 2
The present invention is based, among other things, on the understanding that corrugation can improve the implosion pressure of a vacuum cell
Implementation Method 3
Stretching the vacuum cell reduces its wall thickness
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An insulating element (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) for thermal insulation is equipped with a vacuum cell (2, 2A, 2B, 2C), wherein the vacuum cell (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) has a wall (3) with a corrugated surface (corrugation) (4).