Hinged Cover for Vacuum Insulation Panel Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation systems using PIV panels face challenges with mechanical fragility, increased thickness due to protective layers, and difficulty in verifying the integrity of the vacuum insulation, leading to reduced thermal performance and increased risk of thermal bridges.
Innovation Solution
A composite thermal insulation module with a hinged cover that allows for easy inspection and replacement of PIV panels, featuring a compact design with a protective layer that maintains insulation performance while minimizing thickness and risk of degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If protective layers or frames are added to protect PIV panels, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into a fixed frame portion and a movable cover portion. The frame provides structural support while the cover can be independently opened for inspection, separating the protection function from the inspection function to reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be opened for inspection and then closed for protection. This dynamic element provides protection when needed while enabling inspection when required, avoiding the need for permanent complex protective structures.
2Strength
If protective layers or frames are added to protect PIV panels, then mechanical strength is improved, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PIV panel is nested within the frame structure, with the cover providing protection when closed. This nested arrangement allows the protective elements to be integrated around the panel rather than adding significant external thickness, optimizing space utilization.
3Length of stationary object
If the barrier envelope is made very thin to reduce thickness, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure provides pre-established mechanical protection around the thin barrier envelope, cushioning it from external forces before damage can occur. This prior protection allows the use of thin envelopes while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier envelope utilizes flexible thin film technology to achieve the required gas barrier properties with minimal thickness. The flexibility allows it to conform within the frame structure while the frame provides the rigid mechanical protection needed for reliability.
4Loss of energy
If spacing between adjacent panels is reduced to minimize thermal bridges, then heat conduction is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in inspection and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented with the cover able to open independently, providing access to the PIV panel even when panels are closely spaced. This segmentation allows inspection and replacement operations without requiring large clearance spaces between adjacent panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover provides dynamic access to the PIV panel, allowing inspection and replacement to be performed through the opening mechanism rather than requiring external access space. This maintains close panel spacing while preserving operational ease.
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 solution enables efficient integration and inspection of PIV panels, reducing thermal bridges and maintaining high thermal insulation performance by allowing for easy panel replacement and inspection without adding thickness or using protective layers that increase the overall size.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating panel (3) having a plate shape and having two main faces (F1, F2) and two opposite edges (31, 32), comprising a porous material (3a) resistant to compression and enclosed under vacuum by a gas-tight barrier envelope (2) which shrinks on the porous material when this is subjected to external atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
a barrier envelope (2) impermeable to gas, closed under vacuum, which encloses the porous material (3a)
Implementation Method 3
The PIV elements comprise, in a manner known per se, an insulating porous core material (for example with a micro-cellular or nano-cellular structure with open cells) maintained under vacuum
Implementation Method 4
a barrier envelope generally made up (in a manner known per se) of a heat-sealable film
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A thermal insulation system is achieved using composite modules (1), each incorporating a vacuum insulation panel (3) and defining a layer of insulation, preferably continuous, in at least one row of modules. Supporting means (M1, M2, M5) forming all or part of a lateral periphery of the module hinged to support a cover (6). The panel (3) positioned behind the hinged cover can be inspected by means of a removable fastening method at one end (6b) of the cover to hold the module in a closed state. The cover (6) extends parallel to and covers a principal face (F2) of the panel in this closed state. The module can be easily opened by pivoting the cover after installation, particularly for inspection of face (F2) or for drilling through the cover without damaging the panel. The external surface of the cover can also define a finish.