Expandable Vehicle Insulation Member with Under-Pressure Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation members for vehicle hollow spaces are difficult to mount correctly, requiring time and resources, and there is a need for a simpler installation method that provides effective acoustic and thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
An expandable insulation member with a gas-impermeable cover that includes a yieldable chamber portion with under-pressure, allowing expansion when a puncture hole is made, and attachment portions for secure mounting within the vehicle bodywork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an expandable insulation member is used, then the insulation effect is improved, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation member is pre-compressed to a compact non-expanded state before mounting, allowing it to be easily inserted into the hollow space. After mounting, it is activated to expand to its full insulation volume, achieving the insulation effect without complex mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation member transitions from a static compressed state during mounting to a dynamic expanded state after installation. This dynamic transformation allows the same component to satisfy both easy mounting (when compressed) and effective insulation (when expanded).
2Reliability
If the insulation member is placed correctly in the hollow space, then the insulation performance is improved, but the mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation member attaches itself to the hollow space walls through the attachment portions that engage with the cavity surfaces. This self-attachment mechanism eliminates the need for additional fastening operations, allowing correct positioning to be achieved quickly without increasing mounting time.
3Quantity of substance
If the insulation member is compressed for transport, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the expansion mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanism utilizes pressure differential (pneumatic principle) where atmospheric pressure outside the chamber pushes the flexible wall inward when the internal pressure is reduced, or vice versa. This simple pressure-based mechanism achieves expansion without complex mechanical components, maintaining simplicity while enabling compact storage.
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 insulation member can be easily installed by expanding within the vehicle hollow space, providing effective noise, vibration, and heat insulation while being securely attached, reducing installation complexity and time.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure inside the chamber portion in a non-expanded state of the insulation member is less than atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
The cover is made of a gas-impermeable material, e.g. a polymer film. The cover should be impermeable at least to air
Implementation Method 3
The chamber portion is yieldable such that it can expand together with the expandable insulation body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an insulation member (1) for a hollow space of a vehicle bodywork. The insulation member (1) comprises an expandable insulation body (3) and a gas-impermeable cover (5). The cover comprises a yieldable chamber portion (7) enclosing the expandable insulation body, wherein a pressure inside the chamber portion in a non-expanded state of the insulation member is less than atmospheric pressure. The cover further comprises at least one attachment portion (15, 17) adapted for attachment to the vehicle bodywork. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle (11) comprising the insulation member, a use of the insulation member, a method of manufacturing an insulation member and a method of mounting an insulation member.