Thermal Insulation Container with Heat-Blocking Shell Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated containers for transporting temperature-sensitive goods lack an effective insulating cover, resulting in insufficient thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated container design featuring a molded foam part with an outer and inner shell connected in a heat-blocking manner, incorporating a vacuum insulation panel and diffusion barrier films to prevent thermal bridges, and an insulating cover with a vacuum insulation panel to ensure effective insulation, along with a packaging layer for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a molded foam part is used for thermal insulation without an insulating cover, then the container structure is simple, but the thermal insulation effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer shell, an intermediate insulating layer with molded foam part and vacuum insulation panel, and an inner shell. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, with the vacuum insulation panel providing superior thermal insulation and the molded foam part providing structural support and additional insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different insulation materials (vacuum insulation panel and molded foam part) within the same container structure. The vacuum insulation panel offers exceptional thermal insulation properties, while the molded foam part provides structural integrity and complementary insulation, creating a composite insulation system that overcomes the limitations of using a single material.
2Temperature
If the outer shell is directly connected to the inner shell, then the manufacturing process is simple, but thermal bridges form reducing insulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The molded foam part serves as an intermediary element positioned between the outer shell and inner shell. This intermediate layer breaks the direct thermal connection that would otherwise create a thermal bridge, while still maintaining the structural integrity and ease of assembly of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the direct connection between outer and inner shells by introducing a separate molded foam part as an intermediate thermal break. This separation prevents heat transfer through the shell connection points while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
3Temperature
If vacuum insulation panels are used throughout the container, then thermal insulation is maximized, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum insulation panel is strategically positioned in the intermediate layer where thermal insulation is most critical, particularly at the container opening and areas prone to heat transfer. The molded foam part provides supplementary insulation in other areas, creating a differentiated insulation strategy that maximizes thermal performance while controlling weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two insulation technologies (vacuum insulation panel and molded foam part) into a hybrid system. The vacuum insulation panel provides primary insulation in critical areas, while the molded foam part provides secondary insulation and structural support, creating a synergistic effect that achieves high thermal performance without the full weight penalty of using vacuum insulation throughout the entire container.
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 provides enhanced thermal insulation with reduced thermal conductivity, preventing heat transfer and protecting the insulation layers during transport, ensuring the maintenance of temperature-sensitive goods.
Implementation Method 1
The insulation cover (6) comprises a vacuum insulation panel (7). When the insulation cover (6) is in a position on the container opening (31), the vacuum insulation panel (7) covers the entire container opening (31) in order to ensure good insulation of the container space (3). A vacuum insulation panel has a thermal conductivity of less than 8 mW/mK, in particular less than 4 mW/mK.
Implementation Method 2
the outer shell (4) comprises a diffusion barrier film (41). The diffusion barrier film (41) completely surrounds the outside (21) of the molded foam part and forms a diffusion barrier for the gases enclosed by the molded foam part (2).
Implementation Method 3
A manufacturing process for foam moldings is known in particular from PCT/EP2014/065465, which is formed by filling and then foaming the foamed material into a packaging sleeve which is placed in the mold. The foamed material fills a hollow space enclosed by the packaging envelope and predetermined by the mold.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Thermal insulation container 1 for transport comprising a foam molding 2, which foam molding 2 surrounds a container space 3 with a container opening 31, further comprising an outer shell 4, which outer shell 4 completely surrounds a foam molding outer surface 21, further comprising an inner shell 5, which inner shell 5 completely surrounds a foam molding inner surface 22, wherein the outer shell 4 is thermally blocked and connected to the inner shell 5 along an outer contour 51.