Thin-Walled Cuboid Vacuum Container With Self-Supporting Stiffeners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorption machines, particularly adsorption machines, face inefficiencies due to the use of thick-walled, cylindrical vacuum containers that are either non-self-supporting or require internal stabilization, leading to poor volume utilization, high material costs, and mechanical stress on internal components.
Innovation Solution
A thin-walled, self-supporting, cuboid vacuum container with wall thicknesses less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm or 1 mm, utilizing external or internal stiffening means such as struts, profiles, angles, or beads to maintain structural integrity under negative pressure without transferring vacuum forces to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick-walled vacuum containers (≥4mm metal jacket) are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled container design with wall thickness of 0.5-3mm, utilizing stiffening elements (beads, ribs, or internal support structures) to provide the necessary mechanical strength. This allows the vacuum container to maintain structural integrity while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional thick-walled designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the container wall into segments by introducing stiffening elements such as beads, ribs, or internal support structures. These segmented features distribute and localize mechanical stresses, enabling the thin walls to withstand vacuum pressures without requiring uniform thickness throughout the entire structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cylindrical vacuum containers are used, then self-supporting capability is improved, but volume utilization deteriorates due to poor compatibility with cuboid internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved stiffening elements (beads or ribs) into the otherwise cuboid container structure. These curved features provide the necessary mechanical strength and self-supporting capability typically associated with cylindrical designs, while the overall cuboid shape maintains optimal volume utilization for rectangular internal components.
3Weight of stationary object
If non-self-supporting thin-walled containers are used, then weight is reduced, but mechanical stability deteriorates as vacuum forces are transmitted to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stiffening elements (beads, ribs, or internal support structures) as intermediary features between the thin container wall and the internal components. These intermediaries absorb and distribute the vacuum forces, preventing direct transmission to the internal components while maintaining the lightweight thin-walled structure.
4Strength
If internal stiffening brackets are added to cuboid containers, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stiffening function with the container wall itself by forming beads, ribs, or integrated support structures directly as part of the wall construction. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate internal stiffening brackets, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural strength.
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 allows for a lightweight, cost-effective vacuum container that can deform under negative pressure without collapsing, enabling efficient thermal decoupling and flexible component arrangement, thus improving power density and reducing material costs while maintaining operational functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the collapsing forces generated by the negative pressure can lead to a deformation of the vacuum container, but not to the vacuum container imploding
Implementation Method 2
enabling efficient thermal decoupling
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-supporting, substantially cuboid vacuum container which is particularly thin-walled, and the use thereof especially for adsorption devices.