Thermal insulation device for a container, in particular a hot water storage device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulating sleeves for containers are rigid and inflexible, limiting design adaptability and preventing subsequent or additional attachments, as the insulating material must match the shape of the outer sleeve, restricting flexibility and usability on containers with varying geometries.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a flexible outer layer with a vacuum insulation element that can be fastened to a container wall, allowing for subsequent or additional attachment, comprising a textile material with adjustable thickness and flexibility, along with separate stiffening elements and an inner layer for enhanced insulation and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid outer sleeve is used to provide stability and shape to the insulating material, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different container geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rigid outer sleeve with a flexible outer layer made of textile material. This flexible outer layer can adapt to different container geometries while still providing structural stability through the combination with stiffening elements and vacuum insulation panels, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer is designed to be dynamically flexible rather than statically rigid, allowing it to conform to various container shapes. The flexibility is controlled through material selection and thickness variation, enabling the insulation device to adapt to different applications while maintaining adequate structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the insulating material is adapted to match the shape of the outer sleeve, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation for subsequent adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is divided into modular components: flexible outer layer, stiffening elements, and vacuum insulation panels. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing precise shaping of each component while enabling easy reconfiguration and adjustment of the overall structure for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for variation in parameters such as outer layer thickness, stiffening element placement, and vacuum panel dimensions to optimize both manufacturing precision for specific applications and ease of adjustment. The flexible nature of the outer layer enables parameter adjustments without requiring complete remanufacturing.
3Loss of energy
If a thick outer layer is used to achieve sufficient thermal insulation, then the insulation effectiveness is improved, but the flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a relatively thin flexible textile outer layer with rigid vacuum insulation panels and stiffening elements. This composite approach achieves high thermal insulation effectiveness (low energy loss) while maintaining flexibility, as the vacuum panels provide superior insulation per unit thickness compared to conventional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer is designed as a thin flexible textile that provides structural continuity and flexibility, while the actual thermal insulation function is primarily performed by the vacuum insulation panels. This separation of functions allows the outer layer to remain thin and flexible while achieving sufficient overall insulation effectiveness.
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 flexible thermal insulation that can be adapted to various container geometries, providing effective thermal insulation while allowing for easy attachment and adjustment, enhancing usability and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum insulation element (3) arranged on the outer layer (2) in such a way that the vacuum insulation element (3) can be fastened with the outer layer (2) against a container wall (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Device 1 for thermal insulation of a container 10, with an outer layer 2 that is at least partially flexible, wherein at least one vacuum insulation element 3 is arranged on the outer layer 2 in such a way that the vacuum insulation element 3 can be attached to a container wall 11 with the outer layer 2.