Dual-Layer Cellular Insulating Panel for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular window coverings suffer from substantial heat transfer due to direct contact with temperature extremes, leak-related efficiency compromise, and inability to selectively retract portions, necessitating an improved insulating panel for effective thermal management in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A membrane structure with two juxtaposed layers of cells, an internal wall system dividing the enclosure into separate cells, and a frame for attachment to buildings, allowing for enhanced thermal insulation, structural integrity, and selective retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single layer of cells is used in conventional cellular window coverings, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but heat transfer through the cells remains substantial because opposed sides of the cells are directly in contact with temperature extremes
Solution Approach 1:
The single layer of cells is divided into two separate layers of cells spaced apart by a spacer. This segmentation creates independent cellular structures that reduce direct heat transfer paths between opposite sides of the insulation panel, thereby reducing overall heat transfer while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional single layer of cells to a three-dimensional structure with two layers of cells separated in the depth dimension. This dimensional change creates additional thermal resistance by introducing spacing between layers, reducing conductive and convective heat transfer without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If conventional cellular window coverings are constructed with interconnected cells, then the structure provides continuous insulation coverage, but a leak in any cell compromises the efficiency of the panel altogether and potentially leads to breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The cell structure is segmented into two independent layers, where cells in the first layer are not directly connected to cells in the second layer. This segmentation ensures that a leak in one cell or layer does not propagate to other cells or layers, maintaining insulation efficiency even when individual cells are compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-layer independent cell structure serves as a protective measure against potential leaks. By having redundant independent cellular structures, the system compensates for potential failures in individual cells, ensuring continuous insulation performance even when some cells are compromised.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cellular insulating panels are deflated, then the panel can be retracted, but the inherent construction does not allow selective retraction of only a predetermined region
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating panel is segmented into multiple independent cellular layers that can be selectively inflated or deflated. This segmentation allows control systems to target specific regions or layers for deflation, enabling selective retraction of predetermined regions while maintaining insulation in other areas, without requiring fundamental changes to the overall panel construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular structure is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing individual cells or layers to be inflated or deflated as needed. This dynamic capability enables selective retraction of specific regions by controlling the inflation state of particular cellular layers, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple construction based on expandable cellular geometry.
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 reduces heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation, maintains structural integrity even with cell punctures, and allows for selective panel retraction, enhancing energy conservation while being economically feasible and long-lasting.
Implementation Method 1
an internal wall system located between the first and second external walls, the internal wall system being configured so as to divide the enclosure into a first cell located substantially adjacent to the first external wall and a second cell located substantially adjacent to the second external wall
Implementation Method 2
the first external wall, second external wall and peripheral wall together defining an enclosure... the internal wall system being configured so as to divide the enclosure into a first cell located substantially adjacent to the first external wall and a second cell located substantially adjacent to the second external wall
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating panel attachable to a building, the building defining a building aperture, the building aperture defining an aperture plane extending substantially thereacross. The insulating panel includes a membrane structure defining a first external wall and a substantially opposed second external wall; a peripheral wall extending between the first and second external walls, the first external wall, second external wall and peripheral wall together defining an enclosure; and an internal wall system located between the first and second external walls, the internal wall system being configured so as to divide the enclosure into a first cell located substantially adjacent to the first external wall and a second cell located substantially adjacent to the second external wall, the first and second cells being substantially spaced apart respectively from the second and first external walls by the internal wall system. A frame is attachable to the building, the frame being operatively coupled to the membrane structure for maintaining the first external wall substantially parallel to the aperture plane and substantially in register with at least a portion of the building aperture when the frame is attached to the building.