Cryofluid Container With Magnet-Based Insulation Damage Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryofluid containers suffer from undetectable local thermal bridges due to damage to the support structure, leading to increased heat loss and reduced usability, which is difficult to identify without disassembling the container.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a magnet on the inner container to measure magnetic flux density changes, allowing detection of damage to the support structure from the outside using a magnetometer or sensor, indicating thermal insulation impairment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container is sealed and difficult to disassemble, then the container integrity is maintained, but the detection of thermal insulation damage becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer integrityVSAvoiddetection of thermal insulation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A magnet is introduced as an intermediary element mounted on the inner container. This magnet serves as a mediator that translates the structural condition of the support structure into a measurable magnetic field signal outside the container, enabling indirect detection of thermal insulation damage without compromising container integrity or requiring disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical inspection methods with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of physically accessing or disassembling the container to check for damage, the magnetic field measurements substitute for mechanical inspection, allowing non-intrusive detection of support structure damage that compromises thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If the support structure is damaged, then local thermal bridges are formed, but the damage is not easy to detect and locate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat loss through thermal bridgesVSAvoiddetection and location of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic flux density changes as an analog to color changes. Just as color changes can indicate structural damage or stress, the variation in magnetic field strength and distribution serves as a visible (measurable) indicator of support structure damage location and severity, enabling precise localization of thermal bridge formation points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet acts as an intermediary that converts the physical condition of the support structure into a measurable magnetic signal. This mediator enables the detection and localization of damage by translating structural changes into magnetic field variations that can be measured outside the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If magnets are mounted on the inner container, then damage detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from the complex container structure and places it on a separate, simple magnet mounted on the inner container. This extraction allows the detection capability to be added with minimal structural modification, reducing the overall device complexity compared to integrating detection systems into the container walls or support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a simple magnetic field-based approach. Instead of using mechanical sensors, switches, or complex structural indicators, the solution uses the straightforward principle of magnetic field measurement, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining effective damage detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables quick and easy detection of thermal insulation damage without disassembly, maintaining container integrity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

mounting at least one magnet on the inner container that is spaced apart from the outer container... the magnetic flux density can be measured on the outside of the outer container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Using a magnetometer, i.e., Using a magnetic flux density measuring instrument, the magnetic flux density can be measured on the outside of the outer container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux density measurement: Magnetometer

Implementation Method 3

an evacuable space for thermal insulation is formed between the outer and inner containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4641068A1Container for containing a cryofluid

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAG GROUP BV

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

Container (1) for receiving a cryofluid, in particular cryogenic hydrogen, comprising an outer container (3) and an inner container (2), which is mounted in the outer container (3) at a distance (A) on all sides via a support structure (13), whereby an evacuable space (4) for thermal insulation is formed between the outer and inner containers (3, 2), wherein at least one magnet (20) is mounted on the inner container (2) spaced apart from the outer container (3).