Heat Flux Measurement for Embedded Vacuum Insulation Panel Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for measuring thermal insulation performance of vacuum insulation panels, especially when installed in products like refrigerators, are inadequate for detecting defects and leaks, leading to unnecessary product disposal due to difficulty in recognizing slow gas penetration and pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus and method using a heat flux sensor with controlled heat sources and a drive device for precise contact and pressure application, allowing for accurate measurement of thermal conductivity and insulation performance, even when the panel is embedded in a product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum insulation panel is embedded in refrigerator, then product reliability is improved, but defect detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary defect detection by measuring thermal conductivity of the vacuum insulation panel before it is embedded in the refrigerator. This preliminary measurement allows detection of gas penetration and vacuum degradation before the panel is installed, preventing defective panels from being embedded and thus maintaining product reliability while enabling defect detection.
2Measurement precision
If thermal insulation performance is measured after embedding, then measurement accuracy for installed panels is improved, but measurement accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct phases: pre-embedding measurement using a contact式 thermal conductivity meter for high-precision measurement in controlled conditions, and post-embedding measurement using a portable measurement apparatus for accessibility in installed positions. This segmentation allows each measurement method to be optimized for its specific use case, achieving both measurement accuracy and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable measurement apparatus as an intermediary tool that can be brought to the installed vacuum insulation panel. This portable apparatus includes a heat source, heat flux sensor, and insulation performance calculation unit, enabling measurement at the installation site without requiring removal or disassembly, thus achieving both measurement accuracy and accessibility.
3Device complexity
If conventional measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement speed and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into integrated apparatuses. The contact式 thermal conductivity meter combines heat source, heat flux sensor, temperature sensor, and calculation unit into one device. Similarly, the portable measurement apparatus integrates heat source, heat flux sensor, and insulation performance calculation capabilities. This merging maintains relatively simple device structure while achieving rapid and accurate thermal insulation performance measurement, improving productivity without excessive complexity.
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 rapid and accurate assessment of thermal insulation performance, preventing unnecessary product disposal by detecting defects and ensuring reliable thermal insulation, thus extending the lifespan of products like refrigerators.
Implementation Method 1
measuring heat flux measured by a heat flux sensor
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulator arranged on the upper surface of the first heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus which measures thermal insulation performance of a thermal insulator by heat flux to the thermal insulator, measured by a heat flux sensor, and a measurement method using the same includes a heat flux sensor provided with one surface adapted to contact an object to be measured, a first heat source arranged on the upper surface of the heat flux sensor to supply heat to the heat flux sensor, a thermal insulator arranged on the upper surface of the first heat source, a third heat source arranged on the upper surface of the thermal insulator, and a second heat source arranged around the heat flux sensor.