Integrated Tank Insulation Structure to Prevent Condensation Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifier tanks face issues with insufficient insulation performance, dew condensation leading to mold growth, and hygiene problems due to gaps between separately manufactured EPS insulation materials, as well as challenges in integrating insulation with complex tank shapes and minimizing foaming agent leakage.
Innovation Solution
A tank with an integrated insulation structure featuring a foamed case surrounding the tank body, where a foamed insulation material is formed between the tank body and the foamed case, with portions of the foamed case unfolded and folded to match the tank's shape, using a foaming process that integrates the insulation material seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If EPS insulation material is manufactured separately and attached to the tank body, then the insulation material can be easily installed, but gaps are formed between the tank body and insulation material allowing outside air permeation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tank body and insulation material into a single integrated structure where the insulation material is formed directly on the tank body surface through a molding process, eliminating gaps and achieving both easy manufacture and reliable insulation performance simultaneously
2Reliability
If nude foaming method is used to directly form foamed insulation material on the tank body surface, then insulation performance is improved, but foaming powder remains inside the tank and mold may grow in the pores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful elements (foaming powder and mold spores) by providing a drainage structure that allows water and accumulated debris to drain out, and by forming a smooth insulating layer that prevents mold growth in pores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smooth insulating layer as an intermediary between the tank body and the foamed insulation material, creating a barrier that prevents mold growth while maintaining insulation performance
3Reliability
If the insulation material is formed to match complex tank shapes, then insulation coverage is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tank body forming process with the insulation material forming process into a single integrated molding operation, allowing the insulation material to automatically conform to complex tank shapes without requiring separate manufacturing steps
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 integrated insulation structure provides enhanced dew condensation and insulation performance, prevents mold growth, minimizes foaming agent leakage, and facilitates easy cleaning, while ensuring the insulation material conforms to complex tank shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a foamed insulation material formed as a foaming agent introduced to a foaming space between the outer circumferential surface of the tank body and the foamed case is foamed
Data Source
AI summary
A tank having an integrated insulation structure includes a tank body having an accommodating space formed therein; a foamed case surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the tank body; and a foamed insulation material formed by a foaming agent expanding after being introduced into a space between the outer peripheral surface of the tank body and the foamed case. The foamed insulation material is integrated with the tank body and the foamed case through foaming, the foamed case includes a plurality of parts surrounding the tank body, and at least some of the plurality of parts having a structure manufactured in a planar figure shape to be foldable thereafter so as to correspond to the exterior of the tank body.