Inflatable insulation panel and vehicle including inflatable insulation panels that define a cargo area of the vehicle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) insulation panels in delivery trucks are thick and heavy, reducing cargo area volume and being impractical for electric trucks due to weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
Inflatable insulation panels with air bladders, internal tethers for rigidity, and reflective films to reduce heat loss, allowing for thinner and lighter insulation while maintaining performance, and flexible layers to divide the cavity and prevent airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional FRP insulation panels are used, then insulation performance is maintained, but weight increases and cargo area volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible air-filled bladder with thickness of 0.5-2 inches instead of traditional rigid FRP panels. The bladder is made from flexible material that can be inflated to provide insulation, significantly reducing weight while maintaining thermal performance. This flexible shell approach allows the insulation to achieve the same R-value with much less material mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an air-filled bladder as the core insulation structure. By inflating the bladder with air, the system creates a trapped gas layer that provides thermal insulation. The pneumatic structure allows the insulation to be lightweight yet maintain its shape and insulating properties, solving the weight versus performance contradiction.
2Strength
If traditional FRP insulation panels are used, then structural rigidity is provided, but cargo area volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bladder when inflated creates a rigid-like structure through air pressure support. The thin-walled flexible shell maintains its shape and provides structural integrity when pressurized, allowing for thinner insulation (0.5-2 inches) that preserves cargo volume while still providing the necessary rigidity for panel functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation panel transitions from a static rigid FRP structure to a dynamic inflatable structure. The bladder can be inflated to provide rigidity when needed and deflated when cargo space is prioritized. This dynamic characteristic allows the same structure to adapt between providing structural support and maximizing cargo volume.
3Volume of moving object
If inflatable bladders are used to reduce weight and volume, then cargo area increases, but structural rigidity and insulation stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple internal cells by partitions, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation prevents the bladder from collapsing or deforming under external pressure, maintaining structural stability. Each cell acts as an independent support unit, distributing mechanical loads and preventing overall structural failure while keeping the panel thin and lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder material is designed to maintain stability when inflated. The thin-walled flexible shell, when pressurized with air, creates a stable structure that resists deformation. The flexibility of the material allows it to conform to mounting surfaces while maintaining its insulating composition and structural integrity during vehicle operation.
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 inflatable panels provide better insulation with less heat loss per unit area than FRP, enabling a larger cargo area and reduced weight, making them suitable for electric delivery trucks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective film disposed within the interior cavity of the bladder between the interior surfaces of the first and second walls
Implementation Method 2
bladder configured to be inflated with air
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable insulation panel includes a bladder configured to contain air, plurality of tethers disposed within an interior cavity of the bladder, and at least one reflective film disposed within the interior cavity of the bladder. The bladder includes a first wall, a second wall opposite of the first wall, and perimeter walls extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the first and second walls. The first and second walls and the perimeter walls collectively defining the interior cavity of the bladder. The plurality of tethers extend between and are connected to interior surfaces of the first and second walls. The plurality of tethers limit movement of the first and second walls away from one another when the bladder is inflated. The at least one reflective film is disposed between the interior surfaces of the first and second walls.