Enhanced vacuum-insulated articles with controlled microporous insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In applications with space constraints, such as miniature medical devices, it is challenging to achieve a deep vacuum without the use of getter materials due to the limited width of the vacuum space, which restricts the incorporation of getter materials.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a geometry that guides gas molecules towards a vent during evacuation, ensuring a higher probability of egress than ingress, thereby achieving a deeper vacuum without the need for getter materials within the insulating space. This geometry can vary the distance between walls adjacent to the vent, directing gas molecules towards the exit pathway, effectively functioning like a check valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If getter material is used in the vacuum space, then a deeper vacuum can be achieved, but the minimum width of the vacuum space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the getter material from the vacuum space, replacing it with a geometric solution. The variable distance portion of the wall creates a region where gas molecules are naturally directed toward the vent, eliminating the need for getter material while achieving deeper vacuum in constrained spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the wall distance from constant to variable. By creating a variable distance portion adjacent to the vent, the geometry naturally guides gas molecules toward the exit, achieving deeper vacuum without requiring additional space for getter materials
2Volume of moving object
If the vacuum space width is reduced to meet space constraints, then the device can be miniaturized, but the ability to achieve deep vacuum without getter material is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the wall distance parameter from uniform to variable, the invention creates a geometric field that directs gas molecules toward the vent. This allows miniaturization of the device while maintaining deep vacuum capability through the variable distance portion adjacent to the vent
3Reliability
If getter material is coated on the inside of walls, then vacuum depth is improved, but the wall space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the getter material coating from the wall structure and replaces it with a geometric configuration. The variable distance portion of the wall creates natural gas molecule direction toward the vent, simplifying the wall structure while achieving the same or better vacuum depth
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 allows for the creation of deeper vacuums in constrained spaces without the requirement for getter materials, enhancing the insulating performance and enabling the use of vacuum-insulated structures in devices with narrow or miniature dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The distance between the first and second walls is variable in a portion of the insulating space adjacent the vent such that gas molecules within the insulating space are directed towards the vent during evacuation of the insulating space
Implementation Method 2
vacuum provides an excellent thermal insulator. Vacuum-sealed spaces have been incorporated in a wide variety of structures
Data Source
AI summary
An article includes walls defining an insulating space therebetween and a vent forming an exit for gas molecules during evacuation of the space. A distance separating the walls is variable in a portion adjacent the vent such that gas molecules are directed towards the vent imparting a greater probability of molecule egress than ingress such that deeper vacuum is developed without requiring getter material. The variable-distance portion may be formed by converging walls. Alternatively, a portion of one of the walls may be formed such that a normal line at any location within that portion is directed substantially towards a vent opening in the other wall.