Insulated Wall Panel Retainers for Lightweight Coolant Block Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated containers for transporting temperature-sensitive goods are difficult to manufacture and assemble efficiently, as they often require secure mounting of thermal conditioning elements without adding excessive weight or compromising insulation.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conditioning wall panel with channels and separate retaining elements made from a stronger material, which are thin and resilient, allowing for easy mounting and assembly of coolant blocks or bricks while maintaining insulation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal conditioning elements are securely mounted in channels, then retention reliability is improved, but panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into multiple limbs that extend into the channel, with each limb providing retention at different positions. This segmented structure achieves reliable retention of thermal conditioning elements while using less material, thereby reducing weight compared to a solid retaining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element has varying thickness and cross-sectional properties along its length, with thicker sections at critical retention points and thinner sections elsewhere. This local quality optimization provides sufficient retention reliability where needed while minimizing overall weight.
2Strength
If retaining elements extend fully across the channel, then retention strength is improved, but panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is segmented into multiple discrete limbs rather than a continuous solid structure. These limbs are positioned at strategic locations within the channel to provide effective retention of thermal conditioning elements while significantly reducing the amount of material required, thus lowering weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element extends partially across the channel rather than fully spanning it. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the required retention strength for thermal conditioning elements, while avoiding the excessive material usage and weight that would result from a full-span structure.
3Temperature
If panel body is made from thermally insulating material, then insulation performance is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel comprises a composite structure with a thermally insulating body material (such as foam) combined with separate retaining elements made from stronger materials. This composite construction allows the insulating body to provide thermal performance while the stronger retaining elements compensate for the reduced structural strength of the insulating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the thermally insulating body and separate retaining elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the body for insulation and the retaining elements for structural strength - achieving both insulation performance and adequate structural integrity.
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 easy assembly and secure retention of thermal conditioning elements, reducing weight and enhancing the structural strength of the panel, making the manufacturing process more efficient and effective.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally insulating container body (2) made from a thermally insulating material
Implementation Method 2
The retaining elements may be resilient and may be plastics elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermal conditioning wall panel (10) for use in a thermally insulating container comprises a panel body (22) having a channel (26) formed therein along one face thereof for receiving one or more thermal conditioning elements (12). At least one foot (32) is formed at the lower end of the body (22) for engagement within a socket provided on the thermally insulating container. The panel further comprises thermal conditioning element retaining elements (40) provided adjacent the longitudinal edges (29) of the channel (26), the retaining elements (40) projecting over a peripheral portion of the channel (26) for retaining the thermal conditioning elements (12) within the channel (26).