Laminated Insulating Board for Thermal Transport Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature control systems for transporting thermally sensitive goods face challenges in maintaining narrow temperature ranges, particularly in small containers, and often rely on non-recyclable plastics that contribute to environmental issues, while existing insulation methods are inefficient and not easily adaptable for use in all shapes or sizes.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating laminated board with apertured corrugated or embossed paper or card material, combined with reflective coatings, is used to create a flexible and recyclable container that maintains temperature stability through reduced thermal conductivity and increased structural integrity, allowing for efficient temperature control in various container shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multilayer insulation (MLI) using plastics foam is used to maintain temperature, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but recyclability deteriorates and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from synthetic plastics foam to natural cellulose-based insulating material. This parameter change maintains the thermal insulation function while fundamentally altering the environmental characteristics, making the material biodegradable and recyclable, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous cellulose-based insulating material with a specific pore structure that provides thermal insulation comparable to plastics foam. The porous structure traps air pockets that reduce heat transfer, maintaining temperature stability while using an environmentally benign, recyclable material
2Temperature
If rigid liner with plastics foam insulation is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid liner structures with flexible cellulose-based insulating material that can conform to various container shapes and sizes. This flexible material eliminates the need for complex rigid support structures, simplifying the overall container design while maintaining effective thermal insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The cellulose-based insulating material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, acts as a structural element, and can be molded to fit different container geometries. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate insulation components and simplifies the overall container structure
3Temperature
If polyethylene foam is used for insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to requiring secondary rigid support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite cellulose-based insulating material that combines the insulating properties of foam materials with the structural integrity of fibrous materials. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation and self-supporting characteristics, eliminating the need for secondary rigid support elements and simplifying manufacturing processes
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 improved thermal insulation with reduced weight and increased recyclability, maintaining temperature stability for extended periods and accommodating various container geometries, thus addressing the inefficiencies and environmental concerns of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally insulating laminated board with apertured corrugated or embossed paper or card material, combined with reflective coatings, is used to create a flexible and recyclable container that maintains temperature stability through reduced thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
A thermally insulating laminated board with apertured corrugated or embossed paper or card material... maintains temperature stability through reduced thermal conductivity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods and, in particular, to a box or box-like transport container formed of corrugated board or laminated board that can provide a high degree of thermal insulation. More particularly, the present invention relates to board for the use in such storage containers formed from such board that comprise a box or box-like container, being a hand-held container or a pallet shipper.