Flexible Layered Thermal Insulation for High-Temperature Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation and heat dissipation elements are complex to manufacture and adapt, requiring significant effort and are not easily adjustable for delicate structures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, deformable stack composed of multiple layers with adjustable thickness, allowing for easy adjustment of thermal insulation and heat dissipation capabilities, using high-temperature-resistant fibrous fabric and metallic layers for simultaneous insulation and conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional thermal insulation elements and heat dissipation elements are used, then thermal management function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and adaptability to delicate structures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal insulation layers and heat dissipation layers into a single integrated bellows structure. The insulating layers (e.g., ceramic fiber) and heat-dissipating layers (e.g., metal layers with fins) are alternately stacked and bonded together to form one component that performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate assembly of insulation and heat dissipation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation through insulating layers, heat dissipation through metal layers with fins, flexible adaptation to pipe movements, and structural support. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex assembly and adaptation methods are used for thermal insulation elements, then proper insulation is achieved, but manufacturing time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation layers, heat dissipation layers, and bonding layers are pre-assembled into a complete bellows structure during manufacturing. The layers are bonded together in advance with adhesive or welding, creating a ready-to-install component that requires minimal on-site assembly, thus reducing manufacturing and installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional insulation methods are used, then thermal protection is provided, but adaptability to different pipe configurations and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is constructed with flexible insulating layers (e.g., ceramic fiber) and bonding layers that can bend and deform. This flexibility allows the insulation structure to adapt to various pipe configurations, sizes, and movements without requiring complex rigid structural components or multiple separate pieces.
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
Enables efficient thermal management with precise adjustment of insulation and dissipation strengths, suitable for high-temperature applications, and can be easily manufactured with minimal processing, reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
Each layer (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises a metal and/or a high-temperature-resistant woven, knitted or crocheted fabric
Implementation Method 2
the second stack of second layers, directly or indirectly connected to the first stack, could serve for heat dissipation and cooling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
An element (1, 1', 1") for thermal insulation in the high-temperature range of 100 °C to 1200 °C and/or for heat dissipation and cooling in the high-temperature range of 100 °C to 1200 °C, is characterized in that the element (1, 1', 1") comprises at least one flexible stack (2, 2', 2") made of a plurality of several adjacent layers (2a, 2b, 2c) of equal thickness, wherein each layer (2a, 2b, 2c) of the stack (2, 2', 2") is made of the same material or materials as the other layers (2a, 2b, 2c) of the stack (2, 2', 2") and wherein each layer (2a, 2b, 2c) is a metal and/or has a high-temperature resistant fabric, knit or woven material.